noun

contention

kun-TEN-shun/kənˈtenʃn/

The pressing of a position against opposition.

The proposed tax increase remains a source of contention.

Two colleagues dispute the same written claim in a report.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+tentLatinto stretch

+ionLatinaction or result

Stretching or exerting oneself became striving against an opponent, then maintaining a claim. A contention is what someone argues for; the prefix here may be intensive.

In context

Filip Magnus9:23

one point of contention is that heinlein's view on women in the future isn't much more advanced than bestlies

Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein (Book Review) | Filip Reads the Hugos

More examples

Parking is a bone of contention between the neighbors.
Her main contention is that the policy treats workers unfairly.
A win tonight keeps the team in contention for the championship.

Forms

contention · contentions

contend verb — To argue a position or compete.

contentious adjective — Likely to cause disagreement or argument.

Similar words

dispute: Emphasizes disagreement over a particular issue rather than competition.
competition: Emphasizes rivalry for success rather than opposing arguments.
assertion: Names a claim without necessarily implying opposition or debate.