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contest

verb

/kənˈtɛst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of contest

To challenging the validity, correctness, or fairness of a particular assertion, decision, or position.
"The lawyer plans to contest the validity of the will in court."

Detailed meaning of contest

When individuals 'contest' something, they are actively and often formally raising objections or disagreements, and they may present counterarguments or evidence to support their opposition. This term is commonly employed in legal proceedings, where parties contest a legal judgment, dispute a contract, or challenge a will's validity. In essence, 'contest' implies a deliberate and often contentious effort to question or challenge the accuracy, legitimacy, or appropriateness of a claim or decision, with the aim of achieving a different or more just outcome. It underscores the notion of actively engaging in a dispute or debate to safeguard one's interests or principles.

Example sentences containing contest

1. She decided to contest the election for student council president.
2. The team is preparing to contest the championship title next week.
3. He entered the cooking contest to showcase his culinary skills.
4. The siblings often contest over who gets to control the TV remote.
5. The artist submitted her painting to the national art contest.
6. The contestants will compete in a series of challenges to win the grand prize.

History and etymology of contest

The verb 'contest' has its roots in the Latin word 'contestari,' which is a combination of 'con-' (meaning 'together') and 'testari' (meaning 'to bear witness' or 'to affirm'). In ancient Rome, 'contestari' was used in legal contexts to describe the act of bearing witness together with others or affirming a statement. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of challenging or opposing a statement or position by offering contrary evidence or arguments. When 'contest' was adopted into English, it retained this sense of challenging the validity, correctness, or fairness of a particular assertion, decision, or position. 'Contest' emphasizes the notion of a disagreement or dispute, often involving a competitive element, where parties present opposing views or evidence. The etymology of 'contest' underscores its historical connection to the act of challenging and disputing, highlighting the concept of opposing viewpoints or positions.

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Further usage examples of contest

1. The political party decided to contest in the upcoming local elections.
2. The athletes trained rigorously to be ready to contest in the Olympic Games.
3. The participants eagerly awaited the start of the dance contest.
4. The lawyer advised his client to contest the charges in court.
5. The teams will contest a thrilling match for the championship title.
6. The two singers will contest against each other in the final round.
7. He decided to contest the decision made by the jury.
8. The chess players gathered to contest in a high-stakes tournament.
9. The players are required to follow the rules while contesting the game.
10. The company decided to contest the patent infringement lawsuit.
11. The political candidate faced tough opposition while contesting the election.
12. She won the beauty pageant after fiercely contesting against other contestants.
13. The charity organization organized a fundraising contest to engage the community.
14. The siblings frequently contest their parents' decisions, leading to heated discussions.

Suffix -est, Agreements and Settlements, Problems and Conundrums, Options and Determinations, Competition and Rivalry, Crisis and Opposition, Middle School 7, Conflict and Conquest

argue,challenge,dispute,dissent,impugn,oppose,refute

object,protest,question