contentious

What does “contentious” mean?

adjective.causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

SAT Usage

This word often appears in passages discussing political debates, social issues, or contentious relationships among individuals or groups. It emphasizes a level of disagreement that is not just mild but heated, suggesting that the stakes of the argument are significant, contrasting with terms like "disputed," which may indicate a less intense level of contention.

Common Confusions

Contentious implies a heated and argumentative nature of a disagreement, while disputed usually suggests a disagreement that may not be as intense or emotionally charged.

Example Sentences

• The tax proposal proved to be deeply contentious among voters.

• The contentious debate over environmental policies sparked heated discussions among the community members, revealing deep divisions in their opinions.

Word Parts: How to Remember “contentious”

Break “contentious” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)