Meaning & use
contester
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Meanings
nouncountable
A person who challenges or disputes something, such as a decision, a will, or a result.
Grammar: Countable: 'a contester', 'the contesters'.
Patterns
- a contester of something
- the contester in a case
- a contester for a title
The contester argued that the election results were invalid.
As a contester of the will, she had to provide evidence in court.
He was the main contester for the championship title.
nouncountable
A person who takes part in a competition or contest; a contestant.
Grammar: Countable: 'a contester', 'several contesters'. This sense is less common than 'contestant'.
Patterns
- a contester in a competition
- the contesters lined up
The contesters prepared for the final round of the quiz.
All contesters must register before noon.
Word forms
| plural | contesters |
|---|
Common combinations
- a contester of the will
- The contester of the will hired a lawyer.
- a contester in the election
- She was a contester in the election, demanding a recount.
- the main contester
- He is the main contester for the gold medal.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contestant
- More common for someone taking part in a competition; 'contester' is more often used for someone who disputes a decision.
- challenger
- Focuses on someone who challenges a leader or title holder; 'contester' can also mean someone who disputes a legal matter.
Opposites
Word family
- contest verb
- To challenge or compete for something.
- contestation noun
- The act of disputing or challenging something.
Commonly confused: contester or contestant?
contester vs contestant
'Contestant' is the usual word for someone in a competition. 'Contester' is more formal and often means someone who disputes a decision.
Practice
In which situation would you most likely use 'contester' instead of 'contestant'?
Choose one answer.
'Contester' is often used in legal contexts for someone who disputes something, like a will. In sports or talent competitions, 'contestant' is the standard word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “contester”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.