Rivalling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'rivalis', which means 'one who uses the same river', originally referring to people who shared a water source.
• In medieval times, 'rival' described competitors in the context of sports, games, or businesses, evolving to mean someone competing for the same goal.

Cultural Significance

• Rivalry often drives innovation; in business, companies compete to create better products or services.
• Sports rivalries, like the one between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, energize fans and create memorable moments in history.

Psychology

• Studies show that rivalry can motivate individuals to improve their performance, as the desire to outperform peers can lead to increased effort.
• However, excessive rivalry can lead to stress and anxiety, indicating a balance is crucial for healthy competition.

Literature

• Rivalries are common themes in literature, such as in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where the prince's rivalry with his uncle drives the plot.
• In modern novels, rival characters often serve to highlight the protagonist's journey and personal growth.

Pop Culture

• In popular culture, rivalries are frequently depicted in movies, like the fierce competition between rival sports teams or musicians.
• Reality TV shows often create drama through rivalries, drawing viewers in with the tension and competition.

This word's position of #31,017 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

• ...
• 31014 outpaced
• 31015 inappropriateness
• 31016 appending
• 31017 rivalling
• 31018 pottage
• 31019 concatenated
• 31020 essentiality
• ...