What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contestation
Example
The contestation over the election results continued for weeks. [contestation: noun]
Example
The lawyer filed a contestation against the court's decision. [contestation: noun]
dispute
Example
The neighbors had a dispute over the property line. [dispute: noun]
Example
They disputed the accuracy of the report. [disputed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispute is more commonly used than contestation in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contestation and dispute?
Contestation is more formal and legalistic than dispute, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.