How Do You Spell BONE OF CONTENTION?

Pronunciation: [bˈə͡ʊn ɒv kəntˈɛnʃən] (IPA)

The phrase "bone of contention" means a topic or issue causing disagreement. The spelling of "contention" is straightforward, with the stress on the second syllable, /kənˈtɛnʃən/. The word "bone," however, has an irregular spelling with a silent "e" at the end. It is pronounced with a long vowel /boʊn/ and is derived from Old English "ban" meaning "bone." Despite the irregularity of its spelling, "bone of contention" remains a commonly used phrase in English, especially in discussions of contentious issues.

BONE OF CONTENTION Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "bone of contention" refers to a subject or issue that causes disagreement, dispute, or conflict between two or more parties. It is a metaphorical expression derived from the use of bones in quarrels among dogs or other animals. In this context, "bone" symbolizes an object of value that multiple parties covet or deem important enough to fiercely compete over.

    The phrase often implies that the bone in question holds significant emotional or practical importance to the involved parties, leading to heated arguments, lengthy debates, or even animosity. A bone of contention could encompass a wide range of topics, such as political ideologies, religious beliefs, territorial disputes, inheritance claims, resource allocation, or personal matters like relationships or family issues.

    When a specific matter becomes a bone of contention, it often becomes a focal point around which conflicts revolve. Individuals or groups deeply invested in the subject may vigorously defend their positions, leading to strained relationships, fractured alliances, or even legal battles. The intensity of the disagreement can lead to a protracted standoff, hindering progress in finding common ground or reaching a resolution.

    The term "bone of contention" highlights the divisiveness and contentious nature of the subject at hand, emphasizing the difficulty in finding a consensus. The phrase is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts to describe disputes or disagreements that persistently hinder cooperation, understanding, or peaceful resolution.

Common Misspellings for BONE OF CONTENTION

  • vone of contention
  • none of contention
  • hone of contention
  • gone of contention
  • bine of contention
  • bkne of contention
  • blne of contention
  • bpne of contention
  • b0ne of contention
  • b9ne of contention
  • bobe of contention
  • bome of contention
  • boje of contention
  • bohe of contention
  • bonw of contention
  • bons of contention
  • bond of contention
  • bonr of contention
  • bon4 of contention
  • bon3 of contention

Idioms with the word BONE OF CONTENTION

  • a bone of contention The idiom "a bone of contention" refers to a subject, issue, or matter that causes disagreement, conflicts, or arguments among people. It is something that is a source of ongoing disputes or conflicts between individuals or groups.
  • bone of contention A bone of contention is a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement and conflict between two or more parties.

Plural form of BONE OF CONTENTION is BONES OF CONTENTION

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