contention

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con|ten|tion /kənt'enʃən/ (contentions)
1 [N-COUNT] usu poss N
Someone's contention is the idea or opinion that they are expressing in an argument or discussion.
This evidence supports their contention that the outbreak of violence was prearranged.
= claim
2 [N-UNCOUNT] usu n of N
If something is a cause of contention, it is a cause of disagreement or argument.
A particular source of contention is plans to privatise state-run companies.
see also bone of contention
3 [PHRASE] v-link PHR
If you are in contention in a contest, you have a chance of winning it.
He was in contention for a place in the European championship squad.bone of con|ten|tion (bones of contention)
[N-COUNT]
If a particular matter or issue is a bone of contention, it is the subject of a disagreement or argument.
The main bone of contention is the temperature level of the air-conditioners.

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