argue vs contend

argue

verb
  • To have an argument, a quarrel. 

  • To debate, disagree, or discuss opposing or differing viewpoints. 

  • To present (a viewpoint or an argument therefor). 

  • To show grounds for concluding (that); to indicate, imply. 

contend

verb
  • To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. 

  • To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight. 

  • To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate. 

  • To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend. 

  • contend with: To try to cope with a difficulty or problem. 

How often have the words argue and contend occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )