Meaning & Definition of Contentious in English

1. Inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits

• "A style described as abrasive and contentious"

• "A disputatious lawyer"

• "A litigious and acrimonious spirit"

2. Involving or likely to cause controversy

• "A central and contentious element of the book"- tim w.ferfuson