Is 'contend' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'contend' and 'compete'?

How do I use 'contend with' in a sentence?

Can 'contend' be used in academic writing?

← Dictionary

contend

/kənˈtend/

IELTSAcademic

verb

to assert or maintain an opinion; to compete or fight against something or someone.

They contend that the policy helps the poor.
She will contend for the gold medal.
He finds it hard to contend with such criticism.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'contend' is more formal than 'compete' or 'fight' and focuses on asserting a point or position. Use 'contend' when presenting an argument or opinion; choose 'compete' for sports or rivalry, and 'struggle' for difficult physical effort.

In other languages

Spanish: afrontar, defender
Japanese: 主張する、競争する
Korean: 주장하다, 경쟁하다
Vietnamese: tranh luận, đối đầu
Chinese: 主张, 竞争

Common phrases

contend withcontend forcontend thatcontend in

Synonyms

assert maintain claim argue oppose

Related words

compete argue oppose fight struggle

Frequently asked questions

Is 'contend' formal or informal?: Is 'contend' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'contend' and 'compete'?: What's the difference between 'contend' and 'compete'?
How do I use 'contend with' in a sentence?: How do I use 'contend with' in a sentence?
Can 'contend' be used in academic writing?: Can 'contend' be used in academic writing?