* ἀγωνίζομαι (agonízomai): This verb means "to struggle," "to strive," "to contend," often in a competitive context. It carries a sense of effort and exertion. This would be a good choice if the "contending" involves a competition or struggle.
* ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagonízomai): Similar to ἀγωνίζομαι, but emphasizes the opposition or rivalry involved in the contention.
* μάχομαι (máchomai): This means "to fight" or "to battle," implying a more aggressive and forceful contention. It's suitable if the contention is more of a conflict.
* προσπαθῶ (prospathō): This means "to strive," "to endeavor," or "to try hard." It emphasizes the effort and persistence, fitting the "earnestly" part.
To convey the "earnestly" aspect, you could combine one of these verbs with an adverb like:
* ἐντόνως (entōnōs): "intensely," "strongly"
* σπουδαίως (spoudaíōs): "earnestly," "diligently"
* μετὰ σπουδῆς (metà spoudēs): "with eagerness," "with diligence"
Therefore, a good translation might be:
* ἐντόνως ἀγωνίζομαι (entōnōs agonízomai): "I contend intensely"
* μετὰ σπουδῆς ἀγωνίζομαι (metà spoudēs agonízomai): "I contend earnestly"
* σπουδαίως προσπαθῶ (spoudaíōs prospathō): "I strive earnestly"
The best choice will depend on the specific context of your sentence.