contienda
“contienda” means “conflict” in Spanish (general dispute or struggle).
conflict, contest
Also: struggle, dispute
📝 In Action
La contienda electoral terminó con un resultado muy ajustado.
B2The election contest ended with a very close result.
Muchos soldados perdieron la vida en aquella sangrienta contienda.
B2Many soldiers lost their lives in that bloody conflict.
Es importante mantener el respeto durante la contienda deportiva.
C1It is important to maintain respect during the sports competition.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: contienda
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most likely 'contienda'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'contendere', which means 'to stretch out' or 'to strive together'. It shares the same root as the English word 'contend'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contienda' the same as 'guerra'?
Not exactly. 'Guerra' means war specifically. 'Contienda' is broader; it can be a war, but it can also be an election, a sports match, or a legal dispute.
Can I use 'contienda' to describe a fight between two friends?
It would sound very dramatic or poetic. Usually, for friends, you would use 'discusión' (argument) or 'pelea' (fight).
Is 'contienda' related to 'tienda' (store)?
While they sound similar and share a distant Latin root meaning 'to stretch' (like a tent), their meanings in modern Spanish are completely unrelated.