'contender' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contendere,' where 'con-' meant 'with' (or intensifying) and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch' or 'to strive.'

'contendere' passed into Old French as 'contendre' and into Middle English in forms such as 'contenden' or 'contendre,' later developing into the modern English noun 'contender' (one who contends or strives).

Initially it meant 'to stretch' or 'to strive'; over time it evolved into the sense 'one who strives or competes,' and now commonly means 'a competitor or rival for a prize or position.'