1. con- "together" + tent- + -ious(复合后缀:-y, -ous).
2. 也就是大家一起向四面八方拉扯、拉伸。=> stretch out (to different directions with others).
3. 由此引申为:竞争、争斗、争论。
英文词源
contentious (adj.)
c. 1500, from Middle French contentieux, from Latin contentiosus "obstinate, quarrelsome," from contentionem (see contend). Related: Contentiously; contentiousness.
双语例句
1. Do avoid potentially contentious subjects such as religion, sex or politics.
一定要避免可能引起争议的话题,如宗教、性和政治。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Sanctions are expected to be among the most contentious issues.
制裁可能会是争议最大的问题之一。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Rodney was a cheerful, elegant and gregarious if rather contentious man.
罗德尼尽管非常喜欢与人争辩,却是个阳光、优雅、合群的人。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The question of divorce and remarriage in church remains highly contentious.