Contest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contest

[หˆkษ’ntษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

competition

A competition in which people or teams compete against each other to win a prize.

Synonyms

challenge, competition, match, tournament.

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Word Description / Examples
contest

Used for a situation where people compete to win a prize or achieve the best result in an activity, often emphasizing the effort and struggle involved.

  • The art contest attracted many talented participants
  • The mayoral race is expected to be a closely contested event
competition

Describes a scenario where individuals or groups strive against one another to achieve the same goal, often used in more formal or professional settings.

  • The company faces stiff competition in the market
  • She won first place in the piano competition
tournament

Denotes a series of contests or matches involving many competitors, especially in sports or gaming, with an overall winner determined at the end.

  • The tennis tournament will last for two weeks
  • She is excited to compete in the chess tournament
challenge

Refers to a stimulating or demanding task or situation, often implying a call to prove one's abilities or to overcome a difficult obstacle.

  • Climbing Mount Everest is a serious challenge
  • He accepted the challenge to write a novel in a month
match

Commonly used in the context of sports, referring to an organized game or series of events between two contestants or teams.

  • The soccer match was intense and thrilling
  • They are preparing for the championship match next week

Examples of usage

  • Her painting won first place in the art contest.
  • The spelling bee was a fierce contest among the students.
  • The contest for the presidency was intense and closely watched.
  • The contest for the best costume was judged by the audience.
  • The contest was held in the local park.
Context #2 | Verb

competing

To take part in a competition or rivalry.

Synonyms

challenge, compete, rival, vie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contest

As a verb, this is similar to 'challenge' and can mean to dispute or argue against something, often in a legal or formal context.

  • They decided to contest the will in court
  • He plans to contest the results of the election
compete

Used to describe the act of participating in a competition or trying to be more successful than others. Generally used as a verb.

  • Athletes from around the world compete in the Olympics
  • Many companies compete for market dominance
vie

Used to describe striving or fighting for the same goal as others. Typically used in serious or intense competition contexts.

  • Several candidates vie for the presidential office
  • The teams vie for the championship title
rival

Refers to a person or entity that competes with another. The term is often used to describe a long-standing or ongoing competition. Can be a noun or verb.

  • He is my biggest rival in the chess club
  • Our company rivals theirs in terms of product quality
challenge

Often used to describe a situation that requires effort and determination to overcome. It can be a noun referring to a difficult task or a verb indicating the act of questioning or disputing something.

  • Running a marathon was the biggest challenge of his life
  • They challenge the validity of the election results

Examples of usage

  • Many athletes will contest in the upcoming tournament.
  • She decided to contest for the position of team captain.
  • The two companies are currently contesting for the top spot in the market.
  • He will contest in the race despite his injury.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'contest' comes from the Latin word 'contestari', which means to call together or dispute.
  • In ancient times, contests were often held in the form of games or events to celebrate festivals and honor gods.
  • The concept of contests dates back to the Greek and Roman civilizations, where athletic competitions were central to culture.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often feature contests, like singing or cooking competitions, which have gained immense popularity.
  • Famous music contests, such as 'American Idol' or 'The Voice', have launched many artists' careers and changed the music industry.
  • The annual 'Scripps National Spelling Bee' is a popular contest in the U.S., showcasing spelling talents of children across the nation.

Education

  • Contests in schools, such as science fairs or art contests, encourage creativity and critical thinking among students.
  • Academic competitions like math contests help motivate students and enhance their problem-solving skills.
  • Debate contests teach students how to argue their points effectively and develop public speaking abilities.

Psychology

  • Research shows that participating in contests can boost self-esteem and motivation through the excitement of competition.
  • Competitive environments can enhance learning and innovation, as individuals strive to outperform their peers.
  • The thrill of contests often triggers the release of endorphins, creating a sense of happiness and excitement among participants.

Technology

  • Hackathons are a popular form of tech contest, where developers collaborate to create software solutions within a set time frame.
  • Online contests, like those in gaming, have grown significantly, with gamers competing for prizes and recognition worldwide.
  • Social media platforms often host contests to engage users, boosting user interaction through creative challenges and giveaways.

Origin of 'contest'

The word 'contest' originates from the Latin word 'contestari', which means 'to call to witness'. Over time, the word evolved to represent a competition or rivalry in which individuals or teams compete against each other. The concept of contests has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, often used as a way to showcase skills, talents, or strength. Contests can range from sporting events to academic competitions, serving as a way to determine a winner through skill or merit.


See also: contestant, contestants, contested, incontestable, incontestably, uncontested.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,321, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.