contentious
/kənˈtɛnʃəs/
con · ten · tious
kən · ˈtɛn · ʃəs
English Definition
adj. controversial; argumentative; disputed
Significado en Español
controversial, polémico
Nghĩa Tiếng Việt
gây tranh cãi, hay tranh luận
Show meaning in
Example Sentence
The issue became highly contentious.
这个问题变得非常有争议。
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Memory Aid / 记忆技巧
contend (struggle) + ious → contentious, argumentative.
Know this word? Mark it mastered, or move on.
Practice — Synonym (ISEE Verbal)
Which of the following is the best synonym for “contentious”?
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A
Agreeable
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B
Controversial
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C
Harmonious
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D
Consistent
Show answer
B — Controversial.
“contentious” means adj. controversial; argumentative; disputed
Practice — Sentence Completion (ISEE Verbal)
The ______ new law quickly divided the town into two angry camps.
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A
agreeable
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B
peaceful
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C
contentious
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D
unifying
Show answer
C — contentious.
“contentious” means adj. controversial; argumentative; disputed
Common questions about “contentious”
What does “contentious” mean?
contentious — adj. controversial; argumentative; disputed. In Chinese: 有争议的；好争论的.
How do you pronounce “contentious”?
contentious is pronounced /kənˈtɛnʃəs/. It breaks into 3 syllables: con · ten · tious.
How do you use “contentious” in a sentence?
The issue became highly contentious. (这个问题变得非常有争议。)
What are synonyms for “contentious”?
controversial, argumentative — all close in meaning to contentious (adj. controversial; argumentative; disputed).
Is “contentious” an ISEE Upper-level word?
Yes. contentious appears on the iSEE Vocab Upper list, which covers 804 words for the ISEE and SSAT.
How can I remember “contentious”?
contend (struggle) + ious → contentious, argumentative.
