Contend with 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “contend with”

The phrasal verb “contend with” is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the act of dealing with or facing a challenge, difficulty, or obstacle. When someone says they are “contending with” something, it means they are struggling to overcome a problem or are facing a particular issue or situation. The phrase is commonly used to indicate a difficult or challenging circumstance that someone is trying to manage or resolve.

Examples of “contend with”

Professional Challenges

• Contend with tight deadlines
• Contend with budget constraints
• Contend with staff shortages
• Contend with workplace conflicts
• Contend with technical difficulties
• Contend with changing requirements
• Contend with resource limitations
• Contend with project delays
• Contend with market competition
• Contend with regulatory changes

Personal Difficulties

• Contend with health issues
• Contend with financial stress
• Contend with family problems
• Contend with time management
• Contend with personal loss
• Contend with relationship challenges
• Contend with anxiety
• Contend with life changes
• Contend with emotional stress
• Contend with personal growth

Environmental Challenges

• Contend with bad weather
• Contend with natural disasters
• Contend with climate change
• Contend with pollution
• Contend with noise levels
• Contend with traffic congestion
• Contend with urban development
• Contend with resource scarcity
• Contend with habitat loss
• Contend with environmental regulations

Technical Issues

• Contend with system failures
• Contend with software bugs
• Contend with network problems
• Contend with security threats
• Contend with data loss
• Contend with hardware failures
• Contend with compatibility issues
• Contend with update problems
• Contend with performance issues
• Contend with integration challenges

Social Situations

• Contend with cultural differences
• Contend with language barriers
• Contend with social pressure
• Contend with public opinion
• Contend with discrimination
• Contend with miscommunication
• Contend with group dynamics
• Contend with social expectations
• Contend with peer pressure
• Contend with community issues

Daily Obstacles

• Contend with transportation issues
• Contend with household repairs
• Contend with scheduling conflicts
• Contend with unexpected delays
• Contend with maintenance problems
• Contend with service interruptions
• Contend with equipment failures
• Contend with supply shortages
• Contend with power outages
• Contend with daily complications

History of “contend with”

The phrasal verb “contend with” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “contend with” first appeared in English in the 14th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1300s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “contend with” has come to be used specifically to describe dealing with challenges, difficulties, or obstacles.
• Informal usage: “Contend with” is considered an informal expression in English, often used in casual conversation or informal writing to talk about facing problems or issues.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “contend with” include “deal with,” “face,” or “handle.”

Overall, “contend with” is a versatile phrasal verb in English that is used to describe the act of dealing with or facing a challenge, difficulty, or obstacle. It is a common expression that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate a struggle or difficulty that someone is trying to manage or resolve.

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