1. Competition: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a struggle or rivalry for something, like a prize, position, or recognition. Examples:
* "They're in a contest to see who can sell the most tickets."
* "The election is a contest between two very different candidates."
2. Challenge: It can also mean a challenge or a test of skill, strength, or knowledge. Examples:
* "The mountain climbers faced a difficult contest with the harsh weather conditions."
* "The debate was a contest of ideas and arguments."
3. Dispute: In legal contexts, "contest" can mean to challenge or dispute something. Examples:
* "The lawyer will contest the validity of the contract."
* "The defendant contested the charges against him."
4. Oppose: It can also mean to oppose or fight against something. Examples:
* "The villagers contested the plans for the new highway."
* "The athlete contested the results of the race."
5. Formal Competition: This is often used to refer to a specific event with rules and prizes. Examples:
* "They held a singing contest at the local pub."
* "The beauty contest was televised nationwide."
To understand the specific meaning of "contest" in a sentence, consider the context and the words surrounding it.