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Contentious Definition & Meaning

contentious
adjective
  1. inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits; "a style described as abrasive and contentious"; "a disputatious lawyer"; "a litigious and acrimonious spirit"
  2. involving or likely to cause controversy; "a central and contentious element of the book"- Tim W.Ferfuson

Usage tips for "contentious"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "contentious" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for contentious to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does contentious mean?
inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits; "a style described as abrasive and contentious"; "a disputatious lawyer"; "a litigious and acrimonious spirit" involving or likely to cause controversy; "a central and contentious element of the book"- Tim W.Ferfuson
What part of speech is contentious?
Contentious is an adjective.
How many definitions does contentious have?
Contentious has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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