contentious
pronunciation
How to pronounce contentious in British English:
UK [kənˈtenʃəs]
How to pronounce contentious in American English:
US [kənˈtɛnʃəs]
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- Adjective:
- inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
- involving or likely to cause controversy
- having or showing a ready disposition to fight
Word Origin
- contentious (adj.)
- c. 1500, from Middle French contentieux, from Latin contentiosus "obstinate, quarrelsome," from contentionem (see contend). Related: Contentiously; contentiousness.
Example
- 1. The patent battle has become more contentious than ever .
- 2. It was hungarian ministers who invited the venice commission to examine their contentious legislation in the first place .
- 3. Modelling is a contentious area .
- 4. Those on contentious issues are useful in a different way .
- 5. The court 's newcharge should prove most contentious yet .