How to Pronounce Contentious

To pronounce "contentious", say CONT-ent-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

contentious

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Accent

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3

Syllables

11

Letters

/kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “contentious”

"contentious" has 3 syllables: cont-ent-ious. It rhymes with conscientious and pretentious, if that helps it stick.

What does contentious mean?

adjective

  1. Marked by heated arguments or controversy.
  2. Given to struggling with others out of jealousy or discord.

Hear “contentious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with contentious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conscientiouspretentiousunpretentioustendentious

Related words

controversialdisputativedisputatiousaggressivecombativebattlefulbellicoseargumentative

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "contentious"?▾

"Contentious" has 3 syllables: cont · ent · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "contentious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "contentious" is /kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/.

What does "contentious" mean?▾

Contentious: Marked by heated arguments or controversy.

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