Compete: meaning, definitions and examples

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compete

[kəmˈpiːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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

contend, rival, strive, vie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
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. Many athletes compete in the Olympics. Two companies compete for the largest market share.
contend	Used when someone is dealing with a difficult situation or challenge. It suggests effort and struggle. She had to contend with significant health issues. They contend that their viewpoint is correct.
vie	Used when multiple parties are actively trying to achieve the same thing, usually suggesting a sense of urgency or intensity. Several employees are vying for the management position. Companies are vying to be the first to launch the new technology.
rival	Used to describe someone or something that competes closely with another. Often indicates a more serious or adversarial competition. His main rival for the promotion was very experienced. The schools are rivals in the annual football game.
strive	Implies making great efforts to achieve something, often something that is difficult to obtain. She strives for perfection in her work. They strive to provide the best service possible.

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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
compete	Used when talking about participating in a race, contest, or competition against others to win. Many athletes compete in the Olympics to achieve their dreams. Companies compete to offer the best products to consumers.
strive for	Used when referring to making a great effort toward achieving a goal or ambition, often emphasizing hard work and dedication. He strives for excellence in everything he does. They strive for the highest standards in their academic studies.
seek to possess	Used when talking about making an effort to acquire or obtain something, often implying a deliberate and focused effort. They seek to possess the latest technology for their research. She seeks to possess rare artifacts for her collection.
contend for	Used in more formal contexts to describe striving in a competition or conflict, often suggesting a significant effort to achieve something. The team will contend for the championship title this season. Several countries are contending for the right to host the next World Cup.

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.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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-esteem—success 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "compete" in other languages:

🇵🇹 competir

🇮🇳 प्रतिस्पर्धा करना

🇩🇪 konkurrieren

🇮🇩 bersaing

🇺🇦 змагатися

🇵🇱 rywalizować

🇯🇵 競争する (きょうそうする)

🇫🇷 concourir

rivaliser
se mesurer

🇪🇸 competir

🇹🇷 rekabet etmek

🇰🇷 경쟁하다 (gyeongjaenghada)

🇸🇦 يتنافس (yatanāfas)

🇨🇿 soutěžit

🇸🇰 súťažiť

🇨🇳 竞争 (jìngzhēng)

🇸🇮 tekmovati

🇮🇸 keppa

🇰🇿 жарысу

🇬🇪 შეჯიბრება (shejibreba)

🇦🇿 rəqabət aparmaq

🇲🇽 competir

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.

...
4856 cook
4857 sketch
4858 projection
4859 compete
4860 precipitation
4861 lover
4862 tolerance
...