contend Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb maintain or assert
postulate.
- He contended that Communism had no future
verb have an argument about something
argue; debate; fence.
verb to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
repugn; contest.
- They contested the outcome of the race
verb come to terms with
deal; cope; manage; get by; grapple; make out; make do.
- We got by on just a gallon of gas
- They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
verb compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
compete; vie.
verb be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
struggle; fight.
- the tribesmen fought each other
- Siblings are always fighting
- Militant groups are contending for control of the country

OF. contendre, L. contendere, -tentum; con- + tendere to strech. See Tend.

imperfect & past participle Contended; present participle & verbal noun Contending

To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
For never two such kingdoms did content Without much fall of blood. Shak.

The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle. Deut. ii. 9.

In ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valor. Shak.
To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
You sit above, and see vain men below Contend for what you only can bestow. Dryden.
To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
The question which our author would contend for. Locke.

Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. Dr. H. More.
Syn. -- To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.

To struggle for; to contest. R.
Carthage shall contend the world with Rome. Dryden.