The difference between Contend and Contest

When used as verbs, contend means to strive in opposition, whereas contest means to contend.


Contest is also noun with the meaning: controversy.

check bellow for the other definitions of Contend and Contest

  1. Contend as a verb:

    To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.

  2. Contend as a verb:

    To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.

  3. Contend as a verb:

    To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.

  1. Contest as a noun (uncountable):

    Controversy; debate.

    Examples:

    "no contest"

  2. Contest as a noun (uncountable):

    Struggle for superiority; combat.

  3. Contest as a noun (countable):

    A competition.

    Examples:

    "The child entered the spelling contest."

  1. Contest as a verb (intransitive):

    To contend.

    Examples:

    "I will contest for the open seat on the board."

  2. Contest as a verb (transitive):

    To call into question; to oppose.

    Examples:

    "The rival contested the dictator's re-election because of claims of voting irregularities."

  3. Contest as a verb (transitive):

    To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend.

    Examples:

    "The troops contested every inch of ground."

  4. Contest as a verb (legal):

    To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist, as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.