Competed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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competed

[kəmˈpiːtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Competed is the past tense of the verb compete. To compete means to strive against others in a contest or competition. It involves individuals or groups trying to achieve a goal that cannot be shared, typically to win a prize or recognition. Competing can occur in sports, academics, business, and various other fields. It emphasizes the effort of individuals to outperform others.

Synonyms

contended, rivaled, vied.

Examples of usage

  • She competed in the 100-meter dash last week.
  • They competed for the championship title last season.
  • He competed against several other candidates for the job.
  • The teams competed fiercely in the finals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sporting History

  • The first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896, centered around athletes from different nations competing in various sports.
  • Many ancient civilizations, like the Greeks, held competitions not only for sport but also for music and poetry.

Psychology

  • Competing can boost motivation, pushing individuals to improve and reach higher goals.
  • Studies show that competition in a healthy environment can enhance learning and performance.

Education

  • In classroom settings, group competitions can foster teamwork and peer engagement.
  • Debates and academic competitions encourage critical thinking and public speaking skills among students.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Amazing Race' showcase individuals and teams competing for fame and reward.
  • The concept of competition has been popularized in movies, portraying underdogs achieving victory against the odds.

Origin of 'competed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'competere', meaning 'to strive together'.
  • In earlier times, it was used to describe people who were trying to achieve the same goal.

The word 'compete' originates from the Latin verb 'competere', which means 'to strive together, to be suitable or meet'. This word combines 'com-', meaning 'together', and 'petere', meaning 'to seek, to strive'. Over time, 'compete' evolved and was adopted into Middle English from Old French during the late Middle Ages. Initially, it carried the meaning of striving for something, often in the context of games and contests. The modern usage of the term encapsulates any situation where rival parties seek to outdo each other, whether it's in sports, business, or any competitive endeavor. The idea of competition has deep roots in human society, often driving innovation, excellence, and progress.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,528, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.