contestants
|con-tes-tants|
/kənˈtɛstənt/
(contestant)
competition participant
Etymology
'contestant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contestari', where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'testari' meant 'to call to witness or testify'.
'contestant' came into English via Old French/Latin influences: Latin 'contestari' (to call to witness) and Old French/Latin forms related to 'contester' (to dispute) influenced Middle English 'contesten' and later the agent noun 'contestant'.
Initially related to calling witnesses or disputing ('to testify, call to witness' or 'to dispute'), but over time it evolved into the current common meaning of 'a person who takes part in a contest or competition'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
people who take part in a contest, competition, or game.
The contestants lined up on stage before the competition began.
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Noun 2
people who formally dispute or challenge a result, decision, or claim (e.g., in an election or legal matter).
Several contestants disputed the election results and requested a recount.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/23 02:04