C1verbformalacademic
US/kənˈtend/
UK/kənˈtend/
to state firmly that something is true in an argument; also to deal with a difficulty
In context
Some economists contend that free university education is a poor use of public money.
The author contends that social media has made teenagers more anxious, not more connected.
Rural schools have to contend with slow internet and a shortage of teachers.
Words that go with contend
verb + preposition
- contend withTeachers must contend with larger classes every year.
- contend forFive universities are contending for the research grant.
- contend againstSmall colleges must contend against wealthy universities for the best staff.
- contend with the factGraduates must contend with the fact that degrees no longer guarantee jobs.
verb + noun
- contend for powerSeveral groups contended for power after the war ended.