contends
|con-tends|
/kənˈtɛnd/
(contend)
competitor
Etymology
'contend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contendere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch' or 'to strive.'
'contend' changed from Latin 'contendere' into Old French and Middle English forms and eventually became the modern English word 'contend' (via Middle English 'contenden').
Initially it meant 'to stretch or strive together' (in the sense of striving/struggling); over time it evolved into senses including 'to strive/contest' and 'to assert,' which are the current main meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'contend': to assert or claim (often followed by 'that').
She contends that the new policy will harm small businesses.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'contend': to compete or struggle for something (often used with 'for').
The club contends for the national title every season.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 11:34