arena

arena

a place or a stage used for sports

a field of conflict or activity

Example: Atheists have finally started asserting themselves in the political arena.

contend

contend

to compete or struggle against

Example: In the North-East of the country, rival separatist groups are contending for power.

to argue or strongly assert that something is true

Example: Bible literalists contend that the earth is only 6000 years old.

to contend with — to have to deal with an unpleasant thing

Example: You will have to contend with official apathy if you try to educate the public about the bureaucracy.

fortuitous

fortuitous

lucky; fortunate

Example: I had a fortuitous meeting with a web design expert in the supermarket.

canard

canard

a false story or report or idea deliberately created to mislead or to disparage

Example: Intelligent Design is a canard that has gained wide currency.

agency

agency

a force or power that brings about something

Example: They are some who claim to feel the agency of Providence throught their life.

by or through the agency of somebody

something that has happened with someone's help

Example: It is through the agency of schools that we become aware of mankind's achievements.

polemic

polemic

a highly critical or defensive argument

Example: There is a place for polemics in public discourse.

delve

delve

Archaic - to dig

to discuss in detail

to find more information

Example: We shall delve deep into this concept because it is important.

import

import

importance

Example: Every week the members of the club met and discussed matters of little import.

meaning, implication

Example: It was only later that evening that the full import of what she said struck him.

jettison

jettison

to make a vehicle lighter by throwing things out of it

to get rid of something or an idea

Example: If religion is ever going to serve a beneficial purpose to society, it has to jettison all supernatural claims.

incur

incur

to get or acquire

Example: His business caused him to incur a huge debt.

to be subject to something due to one's actions

Example: If you go against her advice, you'll incur her disapproval.

contingency

contingency

a possible event that could cause problems

Example: We should be prepared for every contingency.

a contingent event is one that is dependent on chance

contingent

contingent

dependent on

Example: Our going to the party is contingent on us receiving a proper invitation.

a group of people of a particular kind

Example: The Swedish contingent arrived without much fanfare.

entail

entail

to involve by neccessity

Example: Religion entails irrationality.

Example: Getting a college education entails spending a lot of money.