Contend vs. Content — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 25, 2024
To contend is to struggle or compete for something, while to be content is to feel satisfied or happy with the current situation.
Difference Between Contend and Content
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
To contend involves engaging in competition or striving to overcome an adversary or challenge, highlighting a dynamic and often confrontational process. On the other hand, being content refers to a state of satisfaction where one's needs or desires are fulfilled, indicating a peaceful and accepting attitude.
While contending often implies a sense of struggle or effort towards achieving a goal, often in the face of opposition, contentment embodies a lack of conflict, representing a harmonious state where no further action is deemed necessary to improve one's happiness or well-being.
In the context of emotions, to contend can evoke feelings of tension, stress, or ambition as one pushes towards a specific outcome. Conversely, feeling content is associated with tranquility, happiness, and an overall sense of well-being, as there is no pressing need to change one's circumstances.
From a motivational perspective, those who contend are usually driven by goals, competition, or the need to address challenges. Whereas, content individuals might be motivated by a desire to maintain their current state of satisfaction, avoiding activities that could disrupt their peace.
In terms of outcomes, contending can lead to changes in status, achievements, or resolutions of conflicts, often after a significant effort. On the other hand, contentment often leads to personal fulfillment and a stable state where change is neither sought nor needed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To struggle or compete.
To feel satisfied or happy.
Emotional Tone
Tense, ambitious.
Peaceful, satisfied.
Motivation
Goal-oriented, competitive.
Stability, peace-seeking.
Typical Context
Competitions, disputes.
Personal fulfillment.
Outcome
May lead to change or victory.
Maintains status quo.
Compare with Definitions
Contend
To compete or strive in a challenge.
She had to contend with numerous applicants for the job.
Content
Feeling of satisfaction with one’s circumstances.
He was content with his modest living conditions.
Contend
To engage in a struggle for power or dominance.
The candidates contended for the leadership position.
Content
To accept and not seek change.
She is content to stay in her current job.
Contend
To argue or state a position in a dispute.
He contended that the contract was unfair.
Content
Emotional state of peace and fulfillment.
The quiet evening left her feeling content.
Contend
To face difficult obstacles or opposition.
The team contended with harsh weather during the game.
Content
Not desiring more than what one has.
They were content with the simple joys of life.
Contend
To assert oneself in a competitive scenario.
You must contend aggressively to win in this market.
Content
Satisfaction derived from fulfillment of desires.
After years of hard work, she felt content with her achievements.
Contend
To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle
Armies contending for control of territory.
Had to contend with long lines at the airport.
Content
Often contents Something contained, as in a receptacle
The contents of my desk drawer.
The contents of an aerosol can.
Contend
To strive in competition, as in a race; vie
Two runners contending for the lead.
Content
The individual items or topics that are dealt with in a publication or document
A table of contents.
Contend
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.
Content
The material, including text and images, that constitutes a publication or document.
Contend
To assert or maintain
The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.
Content
The substance or significance of a written work, especially as contrasted with its form.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
Content
Information, such as text, video, and sound, usually as contrasted with its format of presentation
A television producer looking for content that was more entertaining.
Contend
(intransitive) To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
Content
The proportion of a specified substance
Eggs have a high protein content.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
Content
Contentment; satisfaction.
Contend
(intransitive) To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate.
In this paper the author contends that no useful results can be obtained if this method is used.
Content
Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied.
Contend
Contend with: To try to cope with a difficulty or problem.
Content
Ready to accept or acquiesce; willing
She was content to step down after four years as chief executive.
Contend
To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
For never two such kingdoms did contendWithout much fall of blood.
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.
In ambitious strength I didContend against thy valor.
Content
To make content or satisfied
Contented himself with one piece of cake.
Contend
To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
You sit above, and see vain men belowContend for what you only can bestow.
Content
Satisfied, pleased, contented.
Contend
To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
The question which our author would contend for.
Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial.
Content
(obsolete) Contained.
Contend
To struggle for; to contest.
Carthage shall contend the world with Rome.Dryden.
Content
Satisfaction, contentment; pleasure.
They were in a state of sleepy content after supper.
Contend
Maintain or assert;
He contended that Communism had no future
Content
(obsolete) Acquiescence without examination.
Contend
Have an argument about something
Content
That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.
Contend
To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation;
They contested the outcome of the race
Content
An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote.
Contend
Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
Content
A member who votes in assent.
Contend
Come to terms or deal successfully with;
We got by on just a gallon of gas
They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
Content
(uncountable) That which is contained.
Content
Subject matter; semantic information (or a portion or body thereof); that which is contained in writing, speech, video, etc.
Although eloquently delivered, the content of the speech was objectionable.
Some online video creators upload new content every day.
Prolific creators manage their voluminous content with any of various content management systems.
Content
The amount of material contained; contents.
Light beer has a lower alcohol content than regular beer.
Content
(obsolete) Capacity for containing.
Content
(mathematics) The n-dimensional space contained by an n-dimensional polytope (called volume in the case of a polyhedron and area in the case of a polygon); length, area or volume, generalized to an arbitrary number of dimensions. Category:en:Higher-dimensional geometry
Content
The greatest common divisor of the coefficients; (of a polynomial with coefficients in an integral domain) the common factor of the coefficients which, when removed, leaves the adjusted coefficients with no common factor that is noninvertible.
Content
(archaic) Alright, agreed.
Content
(transitive) To give contentment or satisfaction; to satisfy; to make happy.
You can't have any more - you'll have to content yourself with what you already have.
Content
To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.
Content
Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest.
Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.
Content
That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book.
I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and the contents true, and worthy of a divine original.
Content
Power of containing; capacity; extent; size.
Strong ship's, of great content.
Content
Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents.
The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom.
Content
Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness.
Such is the fullness of my heart's content.
Content
Acquiescence without examination.
The sense they humbly take upon content.
Content
That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.
So will I in England work your grace's full content.
Content
An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote; also, a member who votes "Content.".
Supposing the number of "Contents" and "Not contents" strictly equal in number and consequence.
Content
To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please.
Do not content yourselves with obscure and confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained.
Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them.
Content
To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.
Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you.
Content
Everything that is included in a collection;
He emptied the contents of his pockets
The two groups were similar in content
Content
What a communication that is about something is about
Content
The proportion of a substance that is contained in a mixture or alloy etc.
Content
The amount that can be contained;
The gas tank has a capacity of 12 gallons
Content
The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
Content
The state of being contented with your situation in life;
He relaxed in sleepy contentedness
They could read to their heart's content
Content
Something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation;
A moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
Content
Satisfy in a limited way;
He contented himself with one glass of beer per day
Content
Make content;
I am contented
Content
Satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are;
A contented smile
Common Curiosities
What drives a person to contend?
A person may contend due to ambitions, competitive scenarios, or the need to overcome obstacles or challenges.
What might cause a person to feel content?
Achieving personal goals, having stable and fulfilling relationships, or living in a comforting and supportive environment can make a person feel content.
Is contending always negative?
Contending isn't inherently negative; it can be a positive, motivating force that leads to personal growth and achievement.
What does it mean to contend for something?
To contend for something means to strive or compete for it, often in a challenging context.
How is contentment expressed in everyday life?
Contentment is often expressed through a relaxed demeanor, enjoyment of current activities, and an absence of complaints about one's situation.
Can someone contend and be content at the same time?
It's possible to contend in one aspect of life while being content in another, but typically contending involves some form of stress or challenge, whereas being content implies satisfaction.
How can a business context involve contending?
In business, contending often involves competing for market share, innovating to stay ahead of competitors, or negotiating in high-stakes scenarios.
Can the desire to contend be harmful?
While healthy competition can be beneficial, excessive contention can lead to stress, burnout, and conflict, potentially harming well-being.
Does being content mean a lack of ambition?
Being content does not necessarily mean a lack of ambition; it simply indicates satisfaction with current circumstances and may coexist with future aspirations.
How does one feel when they are content?
When someone is content, they feel satisfied and happy, without the desire for more or change.
What are common situations where one might need to contend?
Common situations include competitive sports, business negotiations, or legal disputes where active engagement and strategy are required.
Is contentment beneficial for mental health?
Yes, contentment is typically beneficial for mental health as it correlates with lower stress levels and higher overall happiness.
How do personal values affect contending and contentment?
Personal values play a crucial role; those valuing achievement and recognition may contend more, while those valuing simplicity and harmony may prioritize contentment.
What strategies can enhance feelings of contentment?
Strategies to enhance contentment include practicing gratitude, engaging in fulfilling activities, and maintaining positive relationships.
Can societal norms influence contentment?
Yes, societal norms and cultural values can greatly influence what makes individuals feel content, shaping their expectations and satisfaction levels.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Jester vs. Harlequin
Next Comparison
Juice vs. CiderAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
