adjective
contentious
kun-TEN-shus/kənˈtenʃəs/
Tending to provoke or engage in disagreement.
The planning discussion becomes contentious as the two adults disagree over the model.
Etymology
A word for a struggle or contest produced an adjective meaning quarrelsome. Contentious describes someone inclined to argue or something that invites such disagreement.
In context
… So what about that old contentious argument about reparations for the US’s involvement in slavery? It’s an argument …
More examples
- My contentious neighbor argues about every change to the building.
- They reach an agreement after a contentious meeting.
- School funding is the most contentious topic on tonight's agenda.
Forms
contentious · more contentious · most contentious
contentiously adverb — In a manner that provokes disagreement.
contentiousness noun — A tendency to argue or provoke disagreement.
Similar words
- controversial
- Describes disputed matters, not a person's tendency to argue.
- argumentative
- Emphasizes a person's readiness to argue rather than disputed issues.
- divisive
- Emphasizes disagreement that separates people into opposing groups.