What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contentious
Example
The contentious issue of gun control sparked heated debates among politicians. [contentious: adjective]
Example
He was known for his contentious personality and often got into arguments with his colleagues. [contentious: adjective]
disputable
Example
The validity of his research findings is disputable and requires further investigation. [disputable: adjective]
Example
Whether or not climate change is caused by human activity is a disputable issue among scientists. [disputable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disputable is less common than contentious in everyday language. Contentious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while disputable is more limited in scope and typically used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contentious and disputable?
Both contentious and disputable are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, contentious has a stronger negative connotation and may be considered more confrontational than disputable.
