contest
KON-tehst
Contest (noun) means a competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result. Example: “She entered the baking contest on a whim and took first prize.”
noun
1
A competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result.
"She entered the baking contest on a whim and took first prize."
"The school held a singing contest, and every class sent a team."
"It was a close contest, and the result was not clear until the final round."
verb
1
To formally challenge or dispute something, such as a decision or claim.
"He plans to contest the will in court."
"The losing candidate contested the election results."
"Residents plan to contest the parking fine at a hearing next week."
How to use contest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a competition (noun) or to formally challenge/dispute something (verb).
Common pairings
contest a decision
beauty contest
contest the results
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Word forms
- Plural
- contests
- Third person singular
- contests
- Past tense
- contested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She entered the baking _____ on a whim and took first prize.
Etymology
From French contester, from Latin contestor, "to call to witness" (used originally in launching a lawsuit).
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “contest” mean?
The word “contest” means a competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result. In plain terms, either a competition (noun) or to formally challenge/dispute something (verb).
How do you pronounce “contest”?
“Contest” is pronounced KON-tehst (/ˈkɑn.tɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “contest” in a sentence?
Here is “contest” used in a sentence: “She entered the baking contest on a whim and took first prize.”
What part of speech is “contest”?
Depending on how it is used, “contest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “contest” come from?
The word “contest” comes from Latin. From French contester, from Latin contestor, "to call to witness" (used originally in launching a lawsuit).
Is “contest” a common word?
“Contest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “contest” have?
“Contest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result.
What is the difference between a contest and a competition?
The two words overlap almost completely and are usually interchangeable. A contest often points to a single, defined event with clear rules and a winner, such as a talent contest or a spelling contest. Competition can mean the same thing, but it also describes the broader idea of rivalry itself, or the field of rivals you are up against.
What are the different types of contests?
Contests take many forms. There are skill-based contests such as spelling bees, sports fixtures, and quiz shows; beauty and talent contests judged by a panel; and chance-based ones like raffles or prize draws. Some reward the best single entry, as in writing or photography contests, while others simply crown the last competitor standing.
Is 'contest' pronounced differently as a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun meaning a competition, the stress falls on the first syllable: CON-test. As a verb meaning to compete for something or to dispute it, the stress shifts to the second: con-TEST. So you might enter a CON-test, and later con-TEST the result if you feel the judging was unfair.
What is an example of a contest?
A school spelling bee is a classic example: pupils take turns spelling words until one remains, and that person wins. Other everyday cases include a baking contest at a village fair, a photography contest with a cash prize, or an election, which is essentially a contest for votes between rival candidates.
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