Which word most closely matches the meaning of contentious?

Which word most closely matches the meaning of contentious?

• A. Friendly
• B. Calm
• C. Looking to pick a fight
• D. Agreeable

Answer: (C)

Contentious describes something likely to cause disagreement or argument, or a person who tends to be combative. The best match is the option that conveys someone who is looking to pick a fight, since that directly captures a quarrelsome, argumentative attitude. The other options describe peaceful, agreeable, or friendly dispositions, which do not convey the tendency to argue. In everyday use, you’d refer to a contentious issue or a contentious person to indicate that dispute or conflict is likely.

Contentious describes something likely to cause disagreement or argument, or a person who tends to be combative. The best match is the option that conveys someone who is looking to pick a fight, since that directly captures a quarrelsome, argumentative attitude. The other options describe peaceful, agreeable, or friendly dispositions, which do not convey the tendency to argue. In everyday use, you’d refer to a contentious issue or a contentious person to indicate that dispute or conflict is likely.