contest

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).

“Contest” is pronounced KON-tehst (/ˈkɑn.tɛst/ in IPA).

Here is “contest” used in a sentence: “She entered the baking contest on a whim and took first prize.”

Depending on how it is used, “contest” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “contest” comes from Latin. From French contester, from Latin contestor, "to call to witness" (used originally in launching a lawsuit).

“Contest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.