Intention vs. Contention — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Intention refers to a plan or purpose to act, whereas contention involves disagreement or argument.
Difference Between Intention and Contention
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intention involves having a planned or desired outcome in mind, often prior to taking any action. Whereas contention is typically the result of conflicting views or opinions, leading to disputes or arguments.
Intention is generally a personal or internal state, reflecting an individual's aims or goals. On the other hand, contention usually arises in interactions between people or within groups, highlighting differences in perspectives.
Intention can be positive or neutral, aiming towards achieving something specific. Whereas contention often carries a negative connotation, as it involves struggle or conflict among differing viewpoints.
Intention is about the motivation behind an action, which can be conscious or unconscious. Whereas contention refers to the state of being in active disagreement, which is always a conscious experience.
Intention serves as a precursor to action, setting the stage for what one hopes to accomplish. On the other hand, contention is reactionary, often occurring as a response to a perceived challenge or threat to one’s views or interests.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Plan or purpose for action
Disagreement or argument
Nature
Internal, psychological
External, relational
Connotation
Generally positive or neutral
Often negative
Role in Interaction
Predominantly precedes and motivates actions
Emerges during or as a result of interaction
Awareness
Can be conscious or unconscious
Always conscious
Compare with Definitions
Intention
The aim or plan that guides an action.
His intention was to finish the project by Friday.
Contention
The act of contending; rivalry.
The election was marked by fierce contention.
Intention
A mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action in the future.
She announced her intention to run for office.
Contention
An assertion put forward in argument or debate.
His contention that the policy would harm the economy sparked debate.
Intention
The process of intending to do something.
The road to success is paved with good intentions.
Contention
A situation in which people disagree or argue.
There is much contention about the best strategy to use.
Intention
A resolve to act in a certain way.
Her intention to improve her skills was clear.
Contention
A point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument.
Her main contention was that the project needed more time.
Intention
An anticipated outcome that guides actions.
Their intention is to make the software user-friendly.
Contention
Struggle or competition between opposing forces or individuals.
The contention for the championship was fierce.
Intention
Intention is a mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. Intention involves mental activities such as planning and forethought.
Contention
Heated disagreement
The captured territory was the main area of contention between the two countries
Intention
A thing intended; an aim or plan
He announced his intention to stand for re-election
She was full of good intentions
Contention
An assertion, especially one maintained in argument
Freud's contention that all dreams were wish fulfilment
Intention
The healing process of a wound.
Contention
The act or an instance of striving in controversy or debate
"Amid all the hand-wringing and contention about whether what the bees do is really 'language,' no one seems to question whether it's really 'dance'" (Marlene Zuk).
Intention
Conceptions formed by directing the mind towards an object.
Contention
A striving to win in competition; rivalry
The teams met in fierce contention for first place.
Intention
The action or fact of intending
Are computers capable of intention?.
Contention
A condition in which winning a competition is possible
Six teams are in contention to win the gold medal.
Intention
An aim that guides action; an objective
My intention is to learn Russian.
Contention
An assertion put forward in argument
It is my contention that they are lying.
Intention
Intentions Purpose with respect to marriage
She worried that his intentions were not honorable.
Contention
Argument, contest, debate, strife, struggle.
Intention
(Medicine) The process by which or the manner in which a wound heals.
Contention
A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for.
It is my contention that state lotteries are taxes on stupid people.
Intention
(Archaic) Import; meaning.
Contention
Competition by parts of a system or its users for a limited resource.
Intention
A course of action that a person intends to follow.
My intention was to marry a wealthy widow.
It’s easy to promise anything when you have no intention of fulfilling any of it.
Contention
A violent effort or struggle to obtain, or to resist, something; contest; strife.
I would my arms could match thee in contention.
Intention
The goal or purpose.
The intention of this legislation is to boost the economy.
Contention
Strife in words; controversy; altercation; quarrel; dispute; as, a bone of contention.
Contentions and strivings about the law.
Intention
(obsolete) Tension; straining, stretching.
Contention
Vehemence of endeavor; eagerness; ardor; zeal.
An end . . . worthy our utmost contention to obtain.
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Contention
A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion or strife; a position taken or contended for.
All men seem agreed what is to be done; the contention is how the subject is to be divided and defined.
This was my original contention, and I still maintain that you should abide by your former decision.
Intention
(obsolete) The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
Contention
A point asserted as part of an argument
Intention
(obsolete) Any mental apprehension of an object.
Contention
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
Intention
(medicine) The process of the healing of a wound.
Contention
The act of competing as for profit or a prize;
The teams were in fierce contention for first place
Intention
To intend.
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea.
Intention
A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York.
Hell is paved with good intentions.
Intention
The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
Intention
The state of being strained. See Intension.
Intention
Any mental apprehension of an object.
Intention
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Intention
(usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal;
His intentions are entirely honorable
Intention
An act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out;
My intention changed once I saw her
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between intention and contention?
Intention is about planning or aiming for an outcome, while contention involves disagreement or argument.
Is intention always positive?
Intention can be positive, neutral, or even negative, depending on the context and outcome.
How does contention affect relationships?
Contention can strain relationships, causing conflicts and misunderstandings.
Can contention be constructive?
Yes, when managed properly, contention can lead to constructive debates and solutions.
Can intentions lead to contentions?
Yes, when intentions of different individuals clash, it can lead to contentions.
Can someone have an intention without being aware of it?
Yes, sometimes intentions can be subconscious, where an individual might not be fully aware of the reasons behind their actions until they reflect on them.
In what ways can contentions be harmful to a group or organization?
Contentions can lead to a breakdown in communication, reduce cooperation, and create a hostile environment, which can ultimately hinder the performance and success of a group or organization.
What strategies can be used to reduce contention in a team setting?
Strategies to reduce contention include promoting open communication, encouraging empathy and understanding among team members, and establishing clear and fair conflict resolution processes.
How can understanding intentions help in resolving contentions?
Understanding the underlying intentions of individuals can provide insight into their actions and motivations, helping to resolve disputes by addressing the root causes.
Are intentions always related to future actions?
Yes, intentions relate to future actions as they involve planning or deciding beforehand what one intends to do.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-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.
