Rivalrous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Rivalry can stimulate motivation and improve performance, as competition often pushes individuals to do their best.
• However, intense rivalry can also lead to stress and negative feelings, as it brings out both healthy competition and unhealthy jealousy.

Pop Culture

• In many sports, rivalries, like that between football teams or basketball franchises, create intense fan engagement and excitement throughout seasons.
• Popular shows often highlight rivalries, such as 'Harry Potter' with Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, showcasing how competition can drive narratives.

History

• Historically, rivalries between city-states, like Athens and Sparta in ancient Greece, shaped political landscapes and led to significant events like the Peloponnesian War.
• In the late 19th century, the rivalry between the U.S. and European nations sparked investments in innovation and industry, fueling the Industrial Revolution.

Literature

• Many literary works highlight the theme of rivalry, such as in Shakespeare's plays, where characters typically clash in pursuit of power or love.
• In classic novels like 'Moby Dick,' the rivalry between Captain Ahab and the whale symbolizes larger struggles between man and nature.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from 'rival,' which is derived from the Latin 'rivalis,' meaning 'a person who uses the same stream or river,' highlighting the idea of competing for the same resources.
• The suffix '-ous' indicates possessing qualities, so 'rivalrous' describes someone who shows the qualities of rivalry.

The word 'rivalrous' originated from the noun 'rival', which comes from the Latin 'rivalis', meaning 'one who uses the same stream as another'. Over time, 'rivalrous' evolved to describe situations or relationships marked by competition or rivalry.

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