French word

contentieux

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tɑ̃sjø/

Meaning

  • masculine noundispute

Example

Il y a un contentieux entre voisins.

There is a dispute between neighbors.

Illustration for contentieux (dispute)

More examples

Ils ont réglé le contentieux à l'amiable.

They settled the dispute amicably.

Core concept

Two parties locked in an official dispute that may be handled by a court or an authority.

Common phrases

  • régler un contentieux à l'amiable

    settle a dispute amicably

  • avoir un contentieux au travail

    have a dispute at work

Similar words

dispute: A relatively minor argument or quarrel between people.
conflit: A clash caused by differences in interests or positions.
litige: A dispute between parties resolved through legal proceedings.
différend: A dispute caused by differing opinions or interests.

Definition in French

Situation de conflit entre deux parties, souvent liée à une procédure judiciaire ou à une réclamation officielle.

Word origin

The French noun contentieux comes from Latin contentiosus through the family of contentio and contendere, whose sense of contention developed into a legal term.

Usage tips

  • Contentieux is formal and institutional; everyday arguments more often use conflit, dispute, or querelle.

Other meanings

  • litigationnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word