• Contentious

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /kÉ™nˈtÉ›n.ʃəs/

    Origin

    From Middle French contentieux, from Latin contentiōsus ("quarrelsome, perverse"), from contentiō ("contention"), from contendere, past participle contentus ("to contend"); see contend.

    Full definition of contentious

    Adjective

    contentious

    1. Marked by heated arguments or controversy.
      • 2012, June 19, Phil McNulty, England 1-0 Ukraine, Ukraine, however, will complain long and hard about a contentious second-half incident when Marko Devic's shot clearly crossed the line before it was scrambled away by John Terry, only for the officials to remain unmoved.
    2. Given to struggling with others out of jealousy or discord.

    Synonyms

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