Rival Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rival
[หraษชvษl ]
Definitions
in competition
A person, group, or organization competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
Synonyms
adversary, competitor, opponent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rival |
Used when two entities are competing in a way that they are almost equal in strength or ability. Often implies a long-standing or historical competition.
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| competitor |
Used in business or sports contexts to describe someone or something engaged in a competition. Neutral connotation.
|
| opponent |
Mostly used in sports or debate contexts to describe someone you are competing against at a specific moment.
|
| adversary |
Implies a more direct conflict or opposition, often with strong negative connotations. Commonly used in formal or serious contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He has always seen her as his main rival in the industry.
- The two companies are fierce rivals in the market.
- The football teams have been rivals for decades.
competing
To compete with someone or something in order to achieve a goal or win something.
Synonyms
challenge, compete with.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rival |
Used to describe someone or something you are in competition with, often in the same field or area. It implies direct competition.
|
| compete with |
Generally describes the act of participating in a contest or striving to win against others. It is a broader term than 'rival' and can be used in various contexts.
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| challenge |
Can be used to describe a competitor in a contest, but it also means to call someone out to a competition or test their skills or abilities. It often indicates a test or difficult task.
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Examples of usage
- She will rival her sister in the upcoming competition.
- The two musicians are set to rival each other in the talent show.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Rivalry can motivate individuals to achieve their goals, pushing them to work harder.
- Studies show that healthy competition among rivals can enhance performance and results.
- Intense rivalry may lead to negative effects, impacting relationships and fostering hostility.
Sports
- Historical sports rivalries, like those between Barcelona and Real Madrid, often have deep cultural implications.
- Rival teams frequently create excitement and emotional investment among fans, enhancing the overall experience of competitions.
- Rivalries in sports can lead to legendary matches that are remembered for decades.
Literature
- In many stories, rivalry drives the plot. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the Montagues and Capulets are rival families.
- Classic tales often feature a protagonist and an antagonist, highlighting the conflict systematized by rivalry.
- Rivalry can symbolize broader themes such as ambition, betrayal, and the quest for dominance.
Pop Culture
- Popular media often romanticizes rivalries, such as the famous feud in the film 'The Social Network' between Zuckerberg and the Winklevoss twins.
- In comic books, heroes often have arch-nemeses, establishing a classic rival dynamic that fuels storytelling.
- Reality shows frequently highlight rivalries among contestants, creating drama and viewer engagement.
Origin of 'rival'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'rivus', meaning stream, as in two parties competing for the same water source.
- Originally, it described individuals who used the same river, highlighting a competitive relationship over shared resources.
The word 'rival' originated from the Latin word 'rivalis', which was used to describe those who shared the same stream for irrigation. Over time, it evolved to refer to individuals or groups who compete for the same goal or superiority. The concept of rivalry has been prevalent throughout history, from ancient sports competitions to modern-day business rivalries.
See also: rivaling, rivalrous, rivalrously, rivalry, rivals, unrivaled.