contend

IPA/kənˈtend/
KK[kəntˈɛnd]IPA/kənˈtend/

contend — 動詞

  • contendpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • contendshe / she / it
  • contendedpast simple
  • contending-ing form

1. to take part in a competition or race, trying to defeat others and win a prize,

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

競爭；角逐

為贏得某物而與人較量

to take part in a competition or race, trying to defeat others and win a prize, title, or position.

例句

Three candidates are contending for the party's presidential nomination.

三位候選人正在角逐黨內的總統提名。

contend + for + [position / nomination]

Local shops contend fiercely with big supermarkets for the same customers.

當地商店與大型超市激烈競爭，爭取同樣的顧客群。

contend + with + noun + for + noun

常見搭配
  • contend for a title
  • contend for power
  • contend against an opponent
  • contend with a rival
  • fiercely contend
  • successfully contend
同義詞
  • compete

    Most general term; 'compete' is slightly less formal than 'contend' and more common in everyday speech.

  • vie

    More literary or formal; suggests eager rivalry over a limited resource, often used with 'for'.

  • struggle

    Emphasises difficulty and effort rather than formal competition; can be used with 'against' for adversity.

  • strive

    Focuses on effort and determination rather than direct rivalry; often used with 'for' or 'to do something'.

反義詞
  • surrender

    To give up instead of competing; opposite of striving to win.

  • withdraw

    To pull out of a competition rather than contending in it.

文法句型

contend + for/against/with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Intransitive — always takes a preposition (for, against, with). Common in politics, sports, and business contexts when describing rivalry.

常見錯誤

He contended the championship.
He contended for the championship.
This sense is intransitive and needs a preposition.
Our team will contend them in the final.
Our team will contend against them in the final.
Use 'against' when naming the opponent directly.

2. to express a firm belief about a fact or situation, especially when involved in

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

主張；斷言

堅稱某事為真，尤在論辯中

to express a firm belief about a fact or situation, especially when involved in a disagreement or formal debate.

例句

Many climate scientists contend that human activity is warming the planet.

許多氣候科學家主張人類活動正在導致地球暖化。

contend + that-clause for asserting a fact in debate

The defence lawyer contended that the witness had changed their story several times.

辯護律師主張證人曾多次改變說詞。

常見搭配
  • contend that
  • strongly contend
  • rightly contend
  • critics contend
  • supporters contend
  • the article contends
同義詞
  • assert

    Very similar in register and strength; 'assert' may sound slightly more forceful, while 'contend' suggests the claim is part of a broader debate.

  • claim

    Less formal; 'claim' can be used even when the statement is unproven or doubtful, whereas 'contend' carries more conviction.

  • maintain

    Emphasises holding a position over time, often despite opposition or counter-arguments.

  • argue

    Suggests providing reasoning or evidence, while 'contend' focuses more on the act of stating a position firmly.

反義詞
  • deny

    To state that something is not true; the direct opposite of asserting a claim.

  • refute

    To prove a statement wrong using evidence; a stronger opposite than 'deny'.

文法句型

contend + that-clause

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal or academic writing. The subject is often a person, organisation, or document (report, study, article). Stronger than 'think' or 'believe' — implies confidence and often a willingness to defend the claim.

常見錯誤

I contend that it is raining outside.
I think it is raining outside.
'Contend' is too strong and formal for trivial, everyday observations.
She contended about the issue.
She contended that the issue was important.
When expressing a claim, 'contend' requires a that-clause, not 'about'.
片語動詞

contend with someone/something

phrasal verb

to have to deal with a problem, difficulty, or unpleasant situation that you cannot avoid.

應付（困難）；處理（棘手情況）

New teachers often have to contend with large class sizes and very limited resources.

The rescue team had to contend with thick fog and freezing temperatures as they climbed the mountain.

contend with

phrasal verb

To deal with a difficult situation or person.

應付，處理

Maya had to contend with heavy traffic on her way to work.

How did the team contend with the sudden loss of their coach?

同根字

常見搭配

名詞搭配

副詞搭配

常用片語

  • contend for a title
  • contend against an opponent
  • contend with a problem

介系詞搭配