Differences between belong with and contend with

Belong with means to be a part of something or to be suitable for someone, while contend with means to deal with a difficult situation or to compete against someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: belong with vs contend with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Belong with

1Be in the correct or appropriate location with other items.
Does this disc BELONG WITH those on the shelf?

Contend with

1Deal with or struggle against.
I’ve got quite enough to contend with bringing up three kids.
2To deal with or face a difficult situation or problem.
They had to contend with winds of over 40 miles an hour.

Usage Examples: belong with, contend with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

belong with

Example

Does this book belong with the others on the shelf?

Example

This painting belongs with the collection in the living room.

contend with

Example

She has to contend with a lot of stress at work.

Example

He contends with many challenges in his daily life.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Belong with

go together

To be a good match or combination.

Example

Peanut butter and jelly go together so well that they're often paired in sandwiches.

be a part of

To be included or involved in something.

Example

She was thrilled to be a part of the team and contribute to their success.

fit in

To be accepted or to feel comfortable in a particular group or environment.

Example

It took her some time to fit in at the new school, but eventually, she made some great friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Contend with

deal with

To handle or manage a difficult situation or problem.

Example

He had to deal with a lot of stress during the busy season at work.

face challenges

To encounter or confront difficult obstacles or problems.

Example

Entrepreneurs often face challenges when starting a new business, but perseverance is key to success.

compete against

To strive to win or be better than someone or something else.

Example

Athletes train hard to compete against the best in their sport and achieve their goals.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “belong”

belong to

Phrasal Verbs with “with”

Differences in belong with vs contend with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: belong with or contend with?

In daily conversation, people use belong with more often than contend with. This is because belong with is used in a variety of situations such as describing relationships, ownership, and compatibility. Contend with is less common and is mainly used when talking about challenges or competition. So, while both phrases are used, belong with is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of belong with and contend with

Belong with and contend with are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of belong with and contend with

The tone of belong with and contend with can differ based on context. Belong with often carries a positive or neutral tone when referring to relationships or compatibility, while contend with typically has a negative or challenging tone, especially when referring to difficulties or competition.

belong with & contend with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Belong with

Synonyms

fit with
match with
go with
be part of
be included with
be grouped with

Antonyms

Contend with

Synonyms

face
tackle
confront
manage
battle
deal with
handle
cope with
grapple with
struggle against

Antonyms