Rivaling: meaning, definitions and examples

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rivaling

 

[ ˈraɪvəlɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

competition

Competing with someone or something in an attempt to equal or surpass them.

Synonyms

challenging, competing, vying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rivaling

Used when one person or entity tries to equal or surpass another in quality or achievement. Often implies a close competition.

  • The new smartphone is rivaling the latest flagship models in features and performance
  • \ The two artists have been rivaling each other for the top spot on the charts
competing

Commonly used to describe individuals or teams striving to achieve superiority in a contest or match. It does not carry any negative connotations.

  • The two companies are competing for the same market share
  • \ Athletes from around the world are competing in the Olympics
challenging

Appropriate when referring to questioning authority, assumptions, or norms, or when facing or presenting difficulties. Often implies a direct confrontation or test of abilities.

  • The student was challenging the professor's theories during the lecture
  • \ The new video game levels are more challenging than ever before
vying

Often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe a strong and eager effort to achieve something over others. It usually implies a dynamic or intense competition.

  • Several authors are vying for the prestigious literary award
  • \ Politicians are vying for the public's attention with their campaigns

Examples of usage

  • The two athletes were rivaling each other for the first place in the race.
  • The companies are rivaling for the top spot in the market.
Context #2 | Verb

comparison

Being comparable to someone or something in a particular aspect.

Synonyms

comparable, equivalent, matching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rivaling

Used when entities are in direct competition with each other, often implying a negative or highly competitive connotation.

  • The two companies are rivaling for market dominance
  • The siblings have been rivaling for their parents' attention
comparable

Used to indicate that two things have enough similarities to be worthy of comparison, often used in a neutral or positive context when assessing the quality or value.

  • Their performances are comparable in terms of skill and execution
  • The two products are comparable in price and features
equivalent

Used to express that two things are equal in value, amount, function, or meaning, suitable for formal or technical contexts.

  • One liter of water is equivalent to one kilogram in weight
  • The units are equivalent in performance and cost
matching

Used to describe things that are the same in appearance, quality, or characteristics, often used in fashion or sets of items.

  • She wore a matching hat and gloves
  • The team worked on matching the colors of the new design

Examples of usage

  • Her beauty is rivaling that of a movie star.
  • His skills are rivaling those of a professional musician.
Context #3 | Noun

opponent

A person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.

Synonyms

challenger, competitor, opponent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opponent

Commonly used in sports, politics, and debates, this term refers to someone who is directly against another person. It has a slightly more confrontational tone.

  • The boxer quickly knocked out his opponent in the first round
  • In the debate, she skillfully countered her opponent's arguments
competitor

This word is generally used in business, sports, and other competition contexts. It denotes someone who participates in the same activity and tries to outperform others but does not necessarily imply direct confrontation.

  • Nike and Adidas are fierce competitors in the sportswear market
  • Every competitor in the race has trained hard for months
challenger

This term is often used in sports, politics, or any competitive setting where someone seeks to overthrow the current leader or authority. It implies an active attempt to win against someone.

  • The rookie became a strong challenger for the heavyweight title
  • The new startup is a serious challenger to the big tech companies

Examples of usage

  • He was considered her main rival in the competition.
  • The team saw them as their biggest rivaling force in the league.

Translations

Translations of the word "rivaling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rivalizando

🇮🇳 प्रतिद्वंद्विता करना

🇩🇪 rivalisierend

🇮🇩 bersaing

🇺🇦 змагаючись

🇵🇱 rywalizujący

🇯🇵 競争する

🇫🇷 rivalisant

🇪🇸 rivalizando

🇹🇷 rekabet eden

🇰🇷 경쟁하는

🇸🇦 يتنافس

🇨🇿 soupeřící

🇸🇰 súperiaci

🇨🇳 竞争的

🇸🇮 rivalen

🇮🇸 keppast við

🇰🇿 бәсекелес

🇬🇪 მეტოქეობა

🇦🇿 rəqabət edən

🇲🇽 rivalizando

Etymology

The word 'rivaling' originates from the verb 'rival' which comes from the Latin 'rivalis', meaning 'a person using the same stream as another'. In ancient Rome, rivalis referred to someone who lived near or used the same stream as another. Over time, the term evolved to denote someone who competes with another for the same objective. The concept of rivalry has been a part of human competition and comparison throughout history, often leading to advancements and improvements in various fields.

See also: rival, rivalrous, rivalrously, rivalry, rivals, unrivaled.