Meaning
- Contend means to struggle or compete against difficulties, problems, or opponents.
- It can also mean to argue strongly for a point of view or belief.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: verb (intransitive & transitive)
-
Structures:
- contend with + noun → to struggle against something difficult
- contend for + noun → to compete for something
- contend that + clause → to argue/assert something
Examples of usage in structure:
- "contend with challenges"
- "contend for the championship"
- "contend that the policy is unfair"
Common Phrases
- Contend with difficulties
- Contend for power
- Contend against rivals
- Contend that something is true
Collocations
- Verb + Contend: must contend, have to contend, forced to contend
- Contend + Noun/Clause: contend a point, contend an argument, contend that…
Examples
- She had to contend with many obstacles before achieving success.
- Several teams will contend for the championship this year.
- He contended that the decision was unjust.
- Farmers must contend with unpredictable weather every year.
- The company is contending against fierce competition.
- They contend that technology will solve the problem.
- The athletes contended fiercely for the gold medal.
- He had to contend with financial difficulties after losing his job.
Synonyms or Related
- Compete
- Struggle
- Battle
- Argue
- Assert
- Dispute
