Compete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
compete
[kษmหpiหt ]
Definitions
in sports
To strive to outdo another for acknowledgment, a prize, supremacy, profit, or a market; to contend in a contest; to vie; to strive; to rival.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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compete |
Used when individuals or groups are trying to surpass each other in a game, contest, or market. It has a general meaning and can be applied broadly.
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contend |
Used when someone is dealing with a difficult situation or challenge. It suggests effort and struggle.
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vie |
Used when multiple parties are actively trying to achieve the same thing, usually suggesting a sense of urgency or intensity.
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rival |
Used to describe someone or something that competes closely with another. Often indicates a more serious or adversarial competition.
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strive |
Implies making great efforts to achieve something, often something that is difficult to obtain.
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Examples of usage
- They will compete in the final round of the competition.
- She competed against the best athletes in the world.
- The two companies constantly compete for customers.
- We are competing for the championship title.
- He competed fiercely to win the race.
in business
To strive for something that is desired by another; to seek to possess or control something desired by another.
Synonyms
contend for, seek to possess, strive for.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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compete |
Used when talking about participating in a race, contest, or competition against others to win.
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strive for |
Used when referring to making a great effort toward achieving a goal or ambition, often emphasizing hard work and dedication.
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seek to possess |
Used when talking about making an effort to acquire or obtain something, often implying a deliberate and focused effort.
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contend for |
Used in more formal contexts to describe striving in a competition or conflict, often suggesting a significant effort to achieve something.
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Examples of usage
- The companies are competing for the same market share.
- They are competing to acquire the new technology.
- Our team is competing with other companies for the contract.
- She competed with her colleague for the promotion.
in sports
A contest for some prize, honor, or advantage.
Synonyms
championship, contest, race, tournament.
Examples of usage
- She won first place in the swimming competition.
- The competition was fierce among the top athletes.
- Our team is training hard for the upcoming competition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that healthy competition can enhance motivation and performance in both children and adults.
- People often experience a surge of adrenaline in competitive situations, which can boost focus and energy levels.
- Feeling the urge to compete can be tied to one's self-esteemโsuccess in competition can bolster confidence.
Sports
- The concept of competition is central to sports, where individuals or teams strive to outperform one another in games or races.
- Many modern Olympic events highlight various forms of competition, promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.
- Local competitions often serve as vital platforms for athletes to showcase their talents and gain recognition.
Education
- In classrooms, competition can foster an environment where students push each other to achieve better results.
- Peer competition often stimulates creativity, leading to innovative solutions in projects and group assignments.
- Some educators argue that too much competition may inhibit collaboration and hinder learning.
Culture
- Many cultures celebrate competition in various forms, from traditional games to modern esports, reflecting community values.
- The desire to compete can be seen in various cultural narratives, emphasizing themes like perseverance and achievement.
- Competitions often bring communities together, as they rally for their teams or participants in various local or national events.
Origin of 'compete'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'competere,' meaning 'to strive together' or 'to seek together,' highlighting a cooperative spirit in competition.
- In the 14th century, the term was often used in contexts involving contests or rivalries, marking its long-standing presence in language.
- Old French adopted the word as 'compeer,' emphasizing the idea of competing against others.
The word 'compete' originated from the Latin word 'competere', which means 'to strive together'. The term was first used in English in the mid-17th century. It has since evolved to encompass various forms of rivalry and contest, both in sports and business. Competing has become an essential aspect of human nature, driving individuals and organizations to push their limits and achieve excellence.
See also: competence, competent, competing, competition, competitively, competitiveness.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,859, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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- 4856 cook
- 4857 sketch
- 4858 projection
- 4859 compete
- 4860 precipitation
- 4861 lover
- 4862 tolerance
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