Contious or Contentious: The Correct Spellings
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 16, 2023
"Contious" is incorrect; the correct spelling is "contentious," meaning causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Which is correct: Contious or Contentious
How to spell Contentious?
Contious
Contious
Contentious
Contentious
Is it Contious or Contentious
The history of the word "contentious" is rooted in the late Middle English period, derived from Latin contentiosus, from contentio (meaning 'strife'), based on Latin contendere. While "contentious" has no direct other forms like a noun or verb, the related word "contention" serves as the noun form, referring to heated disagreement or an assertion made in argument.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Remembering how to spell "contentious" can be simplified with a mnemonic: Think of "con" artists who love to "tent" at "ious" (sounding like "issues"), implying they thrive in areas full of issues or arguments. This visualization of con artists camping in the midst of issues can help retain the correct spelling in memory.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
The term "contious" is often mistaken for the correct word "contentious." The latter is spelled c-o-n-t-e-n-t-i-o-u-s and refers to something prone to causing disagreement or argument. "Contious" is not recognized in the English language as a valid word, and any appearance of it is likely a typographical error or misspelling of "contentious."
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
How Do You Spell Contentious Correctly?
Incorrect: She made a contious statement during the meeting that sparked a debate.
Correct: She made a contentious statement during the meeting that sparked a debate.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Incorrect: His contious nature often led to arguments at family gatherings.
Correct: His contentious nature often led to arguments at family gatherings.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Incorrect: He wrote a contious article that caused a stir among the readers.
Correct: He wrote a contentious article that caused a stir among the readers.
Jack
Nov 16, 2023
Incorrect: The debate over land rights became increasingly contious.
Correct: The debate over land rights became increasingly contentious.
Victor
Nov 16, 2023
Incorrect: The team was very contious during the negotiations.
Correct: The team was very contentious during the negotiations.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Contentious Definitions
Relating to or inclined to engage in disputes.
The lawyer's contentious cross-examination made the witness uncomfortable.
Emilio
Nov 04, 2023
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
The new policy was contentious, causing heated debates across the company.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
Likely to cause disagreement or argument.
The discussion became contentious when it veered into the realm of personal beliefs.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes.
His contentious disposition made him few friends in the office.
Stacy
Nov 04, 2023
Involving heated argument.
The board meeting turned contentious when the topic of salary reductions was brought up.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Contentious Meaning in a Sentence
Her latest book deals with a number of contentious topics.
Daniel
Nov 16, 2023
The contentious issue divided the community.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Their contentious relationship was known to all their friends.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
The politician's stance on immigration was highly contentious.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Contentious debates dominated the legislative session.
Stefan
Nov 16, 2023
The use of pesticides in farming is a contentious environmental issue.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Public figures often avoid discussing contentious subjects to not alienate their audience.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
The jury found it difficult to reach a decision due to the contentious evidence.
Mark
Nov 16, 2023
The reform of the healthcare system has been a contentious topic for years.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Their discussion turned contentious when personal beliefs came into play.
Stacy
Nov 16, 2023
Contentious Idioms
Walking the contentious line
Behaving or speaking in a way that is likely to cause disagreement or arguments.
The columnist is known for walking the contentious line, often sparking debate among his readers.
Victor
Nov 16, 2023
To stir the contentious pot
To provoke argument or raise issues that are likely to cause disagreement.
Every time the family reunion comes around, Uncle Joe can't help but stir the contentious pot with his political views.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
The contentious edge of debate
The aspect of a discussion or argument that is particularly prone to causing disputes.
His opinions often occupy the contentious edge of debate, which doesn't always sit well with his peers.
Jack
Nov 16, 2023
A contentious feather in one's cap
Taking pride in something that is controversial or disputed.
Winning the court case was a contentious feather in the lawyer's cap, considering the public's divided opinion on the matter.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Sailing the contentious seas
Navigating through a situation filled with disagreements and potential conflicts.
As the new CEO of the embattled company, she knew she was sailing the contentious seas.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
To thread the contentious needle
To skillfully navigate through a complex and controversial issue.
The mediator was able to thread the contentious needle, finding a compromise acceptable to both parties.
Victor
Nov 16, 2023
Contentious winds of change
Transformations or changes that are causing disputes and disagreements.
The new policy rolled out by the administration was like the contentious winds of change, unsettling many staff members.
Carlos
Nov 16, 2023
A bone of contentious
A specific topic or issue that consistently causes arguments and conflict.
The proposed city zoning changes have become a bone of contentious in the community meetings.
Daniel
Nov 16, 2023
To plow a contentious furrow
To pursue a course of action that is likely to cause controversy or debate.
The journalist has plowed a contentious furrow with her in-depth reports on corporate corruption.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
A contentious thorn in one's side
A persistent source of conflict or irritation.
The unresolved border dispute has been a contentious thorn in the side of both countries for decades.
Tony
Nov 16, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the word contentious?
Contentious comes from the late Middle English, from the Latin contentiosus, which means 'strife,' and contendere, which means to argue or stretch.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
What is the correct spelling: contentious or contious?
The correct spelling is contentious. "Contious" is a misspelling and not recognized in standard English dictionaries.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Why is contious incorrect?
"Contious" is incorrect because it is not found in English dictionaries as a valid word. The correct term is "contentious," which follows the standard spelling conventions of English.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
What is the plural of contentious?
As an adjective, contentious does not have a plural form. Adjectives in English do not change form between singular and plural nouns they describe.
Tony
Nov 16, 2023
How do you use contentious in a sentence?
Contentious can be used to describe any situation, discussion, or person that is likely to cause an argument or is controversial.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Is contentious a noun or an adjective?
Contentious is an adjective. It describes something that is likely to cause an argument or a situation where there is disagreement.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Can contentious have a positive connotation?
Generally, contentious does not have a positive connotation. It usually implies negative situations where disagreement or conflict is present.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Is there a noun form of contentious?
While "contentious" itself is an adjective, the related noun form is "contention," which means heated disagreement.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
What are some synonyms for contentious?
Some synonyms for contentious include argumentative, disputatious, quarrelsome, and controversial.
Emilio
Nov 16, 2023
How can I remember the spelling of contentious?
To remember "contentious," think of "con" as in con artist, "tent" as in a temporary shelter, and "ious" as in various, to create the visualization of a con artist who creates various issues.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Spellings wiki, Muneeza stands as a beacon of accuracy and precision, championing the importance of correct spellings in the written word.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolMuazma is a dedicated writer for Spellings.Wiki. Passionate about the intricacies of English spellings and etymology, she simplifies complex language elements for her global audience. Beyond her work, Muazma stays updated on language trends by participating in workshops and conferences. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoys exploring cultures and languages during her leisure time.
