See Also: contend(dictionary)
contend(dictionary)

contend (iou)



contend verb. LME.
[Old French contendre or Latin contendere, formed as CON- + tendere stretch, strive.]
verb intrans. Be in rivalry, compete, vie, (with a person, for a thing). LME.
Henry Fielding Nature and fortune..seem to have contended which should enrich him most. W. Lippmann The pulling and pushing of interested groups contending for the assistance of the sovereign power.
verb intrans. Engage in conflict, fight (with a person, for a thing); strive with or against feelings, natural forces, difficulties, etc. L15.
Shakespeare Coriolanus In ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valour. Pope Strength of Shade contends with strength of Light. D. H. Lawrence The only thing he had to contend with was the colliers setting snares for rabbits.
verb intrans. Make great efforts; endeavour. L15-E19.
Swift Contending to excel themselves and their fellows.
b. Proceed with effort. L16-E17.
verb intrans. Argue (with, against, etc.). M16.
verb trans. Maintain, assert, (that). M16.
H. J. Laski The Nonjurors might with justice contend that they had right on their side.
verb trans. Dispute (an object). rare. L17-L18.
Southey From his grasp Wrench the contended weapon.
contendent noun & adjective (a) noun a person who contends; (b) adjective contending: M16-E19.
contender noun a person who contends or is given to contention M16.