contentious Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
    disputatious; combative; litigious; disputative.
    • a style described as abrasive and contentious
    • a disputatious lawyer
    • a litigious and acrimonious spirit
  2. adjective satellite involving or likely to cause controversy
    • a central and contentious element of the book"- Tim W.Ferfuson

WordNet

Con*ten"tious adjective
Etymology
L. contentiosus: cf. F. contentieux.
Definitions
  1. Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome.
    Despotic and contentious temper. Macaulay.
  2. Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention. Spenser.
    More cheerfull; though not less contentious, regions. Brougham.
  3. (Law) Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy. Syn. -- Quarrelsome; pugnacious; dissentious; wrangling; litigious; perverse; peevish. - Con*ten"tious*ly, adv. -- Con*ten"tious*ness, n.

Webster 1913