contentious
/kənˈtenʃəs/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtenʃəs/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈten(t)-shəs/ (ame, mw)
contentious — 形容詞
- contentiouspositive
- more contentiouscomparative
- most contentioussuperlative
1. describes an issue, topic, or situation that creates strong differences of opini
有爭議的
容易引發爭論或對立的
describes an issue, topic, or situation that creates strong differences of opinion and often leads to heated discussion or debate among people
The contentious issue of land reform divided the committee for months.
土地改革這個有爭議的議題，讓委員會分裂了好幾個月。
collocation: contentious issue
Immigration remains one of the most contentious topics in the current election campaign.
在這次大選中，移民仍然是爭議最大的話題之一。
A contentious clause in the contract led to weeks of difficult negotiation between the two companies.
合約中一條有爭議的條款，導致雙方公司進行了數週艱難的談判。
The senator's proposal on healthcare was so contentious that it sparked protests outside the capitol building.
參議員提出的醫療健保方案爭議性極大，甚至引發群眾在國會大廈外抗議。
The board avoided discussing the contentious subject of executive pay at the last meeting.
董事會在上次會議中刻意避開了主管薪酬這個爭議話題。
- controversial
broader term; applies to any topic that sparks public debate, not necessarily formal dispute
- divisive
stronger; implies the topic actively splits people into opposing camps with lasting tension
- disputed
more neutral; simply means there is disagreement, without the implication of strong emotions
- uncontroversial
describes something that does not cause any disagreement
- non-contentious
formal term for a matter that all sides agree on
文法句型
contentious + noun (issue/topic/subject)
be + highly/deeply + contentious
用法筆記
This sense applies to things (issues, topics, policies, clauses), not to people. When describing a person's character, use sense 2 instead.
常見錯誤
2. describes a person who enjoys arguing or frequently starts arguments with others
好爭論的
喜歡跟人爭辯、動不動就吵架的
describes a person who enjoys arguing or frequently starts arguments with others, often over minor matters
Elena's contentious nature made it difficult for her to keep friends for long.
Elena 愛爭論的個性，讓她很難長久維持友誼。
collocation: contentious nature
Theo became increasingly contentious during the meeting, challenging every point the speaker made.
Theo 在會議中變得越来越愛爭辯，連講者說的每一個論點都要反駁。
verb pattern: become + contentious
Luis's colleagues found his contentious attitude exhausting during team discussions.
Luis 的同事們都覺得他在團隊討論時那種愛唱反調的態度很令人厭煩。
After two glasses of wine, Amir's usually calm demeanor turned surprisingly contentious.
喝了兩杯酒之後，Amir 平常冷靜的態度竟變得意外地好鬥。
The lawyer's contentious style served her well in the courtroom but alienated her outside of it.
那位律師在法庭上咄咄逼人的風格很管用，但在法庭外卻讓大家疏遠她。
- quarrelsome
more informal and implies a habit of picking fights over trivial things
- argumentative
interchangeable in most contexts; focuses on the desire to challenge others' views
- disputatious
more formal and literary; suggests a fondness for formal debate or legal arguments
文法句型
contentious + noun (nature/person/attitude/style)
become + contentious
get + contentious
用法筆記
Frequently used with possessive nouns or adjectives to describe a person's character (contentious nature, contentious attitude). Can also describe temporary behaviour in specific situations (became contentious, turned contentious). Carries a negative connotation.