Competitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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competitive
[kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv ]
Definitions
business
Having a strong desire to compete and succeed in business or other activities.
Synonyms
ambitious, determined, driven, rivalrous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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competitive |
Used when someone is eager to win or be the best in a situation. It is often seen in sports, business, or any scenario involving a contest.
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ambitious |
Refers to someone who has a strong desire to achieve particular goals or success in life, often long-term and broad in scope.
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driven |
Typically describes someone who is highly motivated to achieve success or accomplish specific goals, often used to highlight overwhelming internal motivation.
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determined |
Implies a strong and unwavering commitment to finishing a task or reaching a goal, often despite challenges or setbacks.
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rivalrous |
Describes a situation or relationship characterized by competition or rivalry, often used to highlight conflict or competition between individuals or groups.
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Examples of usage
- He is known for his competitive nature in the business world.
- She always strives to be the most competitive candidate for the job.
sports
Relating to or characterized by competition; eager to compete.
Synonyms
challenging, fierce, rivalrous, sporting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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competitive |
Use this word when describing a scenario where participants are actively trying to outperform each other. It can apply to both sports and non-sports situations like business or academics.
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sporting |
Sporting is most appropriate for contexts directly related to sports and athletic endeavors. It can also imply a more fair and respectful form of competition.
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rivalrous |
Rivalrous is generally used to describe situations involving direct competition or rivalry, often implying a long-standing or ongoing nature. It has a somewhat formal tone.
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challenging |
This word is suited for situations that require effort, determination, and are not easily accomplished. It focuses more on the difficulty rather than the element of competition.
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fierce |
Fierce is used to describe intense and aggressive competition. It often carries a more dramatic or emotional tone and can sometimes imply hostility.
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Examples of usage
- The team has a competitive spirit that drives them to win.
- She is a competitive athlete who always gives her best effort.
general
Involving or based on competition.
Synonyms
aggressive, cutthroat, fierce, intense.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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competitive |
Appropriate for general situations where individuals or groups strive to achieve a goal by outperforming others. It implies a healthy rivalry.
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cutthroat |
Suitable for situations where competition is extremely intense and ruthless, often involving unethical or brutal tactics. It has a negative connotation.
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aggressive |
Used when someone is forceful and determined to achieve their goals, sometimes in a hostile or confrontational way. It often carries a negative connotation.
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intense |
Used to describe a high level of energy, concentration, or effort in a particular situation. It doesn't necessarily imply hostility but rather a great deal of focus.
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fierce |
Describes very strong and intense competition, often with a lot of energy and determination. It can be both positive or negative depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- The market is highly competitive, with many companies vying for customers.
- He enjoys the competitive nature of chess tournaments.
Translations
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Origin of 'competitive'
The word 'competitive' has its origins in the late 18th century, derived from the Latin word 'competere' meaning 'strive together'. Originally used in a general sense, it gained popularity in business and sports contexts during the 20th century. The concept of competitiveness has been a key driver of innovation and progress in various fields.