contended

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'contended' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to be in a state of satisfaction, to be happy or at peace with a situation or decision. Example: After years of struggling, she finally contended with her past and found peace within herself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was arrested twice but never charged and contended both arrests were "actuated by malice".

The Guardian

On the basis of the new material uncovered, it will be contended that the ill-treatment suffered by the hooded men should be recognised as torture".

The Guardian

He suggested Australia's foreign policy was now more pro-Israel than majority opinion in Israel, and contended the latest Australian shift would not go down well in Washington.

The Guardian

That was Tony Abbott at the launch of a new book by the Australian's editor at large, Paul Kelly. Kelly has contended in his newly published history of the Rudd/Gillard Labor period that Australia's political system is malfunctioning because it no longer delivers the reaching reform we need it to deliver.

The Guardian

He co-authored Drinking and Public Disorder (1992), a report based on extensive fieldwork in town centres across Britain, which contended that public disorder is at least partly related to the sudden increase in density of (mainly) young people in the streets and public areas around fixed closing times.

The Guardian

Such a mean-spirited gesture, he contended, would be too much to stomach even for the normally ultra-loyal Fianna Fáil backbenchers.

The Guardian

I've also contended with quicksand, nearly drowning in rapids, being held at gunpoint, and been made to sing (terribly) for our local hosts.

The Guardian

It also contended that it was "disappointing that £375,000 of public money" was "spent on legal battles trying to keep their contents secret".

The Guardian

But he also contended that Medicare would "collapse under the strain" if the government failed to implement a price signal into the system.

The Guardian

In the end, she contended, the Irish government will have to default by any other name by 2013 rather than continue to force more financial pain on its citizens and further depress the economy.

The Guardian

The Mail also ran an article by Stephen Glover in which he contended that "if the Guardian hoped to discredit [the prince] it has signally failed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contended", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean 'asserted' or 'struggled'. If ambiguity exists, consider using a more precise synonym.

Common error

Avoid using "contended" when the intended meaning is ambiguous between 'asserted' and 'struggled'. Choose a word with a single, clear meaning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contended" is as a verb, typically used in the past tense. As Ludwig AI explains, it can denote asserting a viewpoint or struggling against something, fitting both transitive and intransitive uses depending on context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "contended" is a versatile verb that conveys both asserting an argument or belief and grappling with challenges. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be used effectively, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity between its two primary meanings. Consider alternatives like "asserted" or "dealt with" to enhance clarity. Overall, "contended" remains a valuable tool in expressing disagreement or struggle in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asserted

Similar to "contended" but often implies a more forceful declaration of a belief or opinion.

maintained

Implies a consistent and persistent assertion of a claim or belief over time.

argued

Focuses on the presentation of reasons or evidence to support a position.

claimed

Indicates an assertion of something as a fact, often without providing substantial proof.

dealt with

Refers to managing or handling a difficult situation or challenge.

coped with

Implies successfully overcoming difficulties or challenges.

managed

Suggests successfully handling a situation, often with skill or resourcefulness.

grappled with

Emphasizes a struggle or effort to overcome a problem or challenge.

strove

Implies a determined effort to achieve something despite difficulties.

struggled with

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in handling a challenging situation.

FAQs

How to use "contended" in a sentence?

"Contended" can mean to assert something as a position in an argument, or to struggle against something. For example, "He "contended" that the policy was unfair," or "They "contended" with the rising floodwaters."

What can I say instead of "contended"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "asserted", "maintained", "argued", "claimed", "dealt with", or "coped with".

Is it correct to say "he contended me"?

No, "contended" is generally used intransitively, meaning it does not take a direct object. A correct usage would be "He "contended" that..."

What's the difference between "contended" and "considered"?

"Contended" implies asserting a belief or struggling with something, while "considered" means thinking carefully about something. For example, "He "contended" the decision was wrong," versus "He "considered" the decision carefully."