contended

Contended is the past tense of the verb contend. It means to argue a claim or position, or to strive against opposition. In modern usage it is commonly followed by that to indicate an assertion, as in “to contend that X is true,” or with with to express effort against difficulty, as in “to contend with challenges.” The sense of competing for something is also expressed by the phrase “to contend for” a prize or title. Examples include: “The senator contended that the policy would harm small businesses” and “The team contended with injuries throughout the season.”

Contended can also function as a participial adjective in some older or more formal prose, meaning “asserted” or “claimed.” This adjectival use is uncommon in contemporary writing; more typical ways to convey the sense are “argued,” “claimed,” or, for topics, “disputed” or “contentious.” The word derives from Latin contendere, meaning to stretch, strive, or fight, and entered English via Old French.

Related terms and distinctions are important for precise use. Contend and contend with carry both “argue” and “cope with” senses, depending on context. The noun contention denotes a dispute or assertion, while contest and contested are common synonyms for disputed matters or competitions. Awareness of these nuances helps avoid confusion with content or contented, which have different meanings.