Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about contend (AI summary)

In literary works, "contend" is often employed to illustrate the struggle or confrontation between forces—whether between warriors, ideas, or moral principles. In epic narratives, for instance, the term conveys physical or martial challenge, as seen when heroes prepare to face formidable foes in battle ([1], [2], [3]). In other contexts, it is used to express the act of disputing or engaging in intellectual debate, such as when characters argue over matters of judgment and truth ([4], [5]). The word also takes on a metaphorical dimension when describing the internal or societal conflicts people must overcome, suggesting that the challenge is as much moral or existential as it is physical ([6], [7]). This versatility has allowed "contend" to become a powerful term, bridging the concrete and abstract realms of conflict in literature.
  1. And I swear by my arms 7 of valour, 7 if it be true that he spoke so, I will be the first man of the men of Erin to contend with him on the morrow,
    — from The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Táin Bó Cúalnge
  2. Even Achelous might contend in vain, And all the roaring billows of the main.
    — from The Iliad by Homer
  3. Then Medb called upon the men of Erin for one of them to contend and do battle with Cuchulain on the morrow.
    — from The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Táin Bó Cúalnge
  4. With this intellectual temper I confess that I cannot contend.
    — from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James
  5. Jno. 11.50, et al.; to dispute, contend, Mar. 9.33: whence Διαλογισμός, οῦ, ὁ, reasoning, ratiocination, thought, cogitation, purpose, Mat. 15.19.
    — from A Greek-English Lexicon to the New Testament by William Greenfield
  6. The consciousness of life is higher than life, the knowledge of the laws of happiness is higher than happiness—that is what one must contend against.
    — from Short Stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  7. For better is it to contend with vices than without conflict to be subdued by them.
    — from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux