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Rivalry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rivalry

[หˆraษชvษ™lri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

Competition for superiority between two or more parties. Rivalry often leads to intense matches and fierce battles between opponents.

Synonyms

competition, conflict, contest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rivalry

This is best used when describing an ongoing struggle or competition between two or more parties that have a history or long-term contention. It often involves personal or organizational stakes.

  • The long-standing rivalry between the two top football teams always draws a massive crowd
  • There is a rivalry between those two companies for the best market position
competition

Use this when referring to a situation where multiple parties are striving to achieve the same goal but not necessarily in a hostile manner. It often highlights the effort to outperform others.

  • The competition for the best startup award was intense this year
  • She enjoyed the healthy competition in her class
conflict

This word is best suited for situations involving a serious disagreement or argument that could lead to tension and potential hostility. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • The conflict between the two nations escalated into a full-blown war
  • There was a conflict of interest that led to their fallout
contest

This is appropriate for situations where there is an organized event where individuals or groups compete against each other, often in a game or cultural event.

  • The spelling bee contest took place in the school auditorium
  • They won the baking contest with their delicious cake

Examples of usage

  • The rivalry between the two soccer teams is legendary.
  • The intense rivalry between the two boxers captivated the audience.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A competitive relationship between companies or individuals striving for the same goal or market share. Rivalry in business can lead to innovation and improvement.

Synonyms

competition, contest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rivalry

Use this word when referring to a situation where there is a long-term and often intense competition between two or more entities. It is often used in the context of sports teams, businesses, or individuals who are persistently competing against each other.

  • The rivalry between the two football teams has lasted for decades.
  • There is a fierce rivalry in the smartphone market.
competition

This word is more general and can be used in a wide range of contexts to refer to any situation where individuals or groups are trying to outperform each other. It can be used in business, sports, education, and other fields.

  • The competition for the best science project was intense this year.
  • There is stiff competition among the candidates for the job.
contest

Use this word when referring to an organized event in which people compete to win. This word often implies a specific event with rules and a clear winner.

  • The singing contest will be held this Friday.
  • She won first place in the art contest.

Examples of usage

  • The rivalry between the two tech giants resulted in better products for consumers.
  • There is fierce rivalry among the top fashion brands to capture the market.
Context #3 | Noun

academic

A state of competition or disagreement between scholars, researchers, or academic institutions. Academic rivalry can drive advancements in knowledge and research.

Synonyms

competition, conflict, contention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rivalry

Use 'rivalry' to describe a long-standing or ongoing competitive relationship between two parties, often with a sense of tradition or history.

  • The intense rivalry between the two schools has existed for decades.
  • Their sibling rivalry often leads to humorous family gatherings.
competition

Use 'competition' to refer to a scenario where individuals or groups strive to achieve a goal that cannot be shared, typically in a structured environment.

  • The science fair is a competition where students showcase their projects.
  • There was tough competition for the job opening.
conflict

Use 'conflict' to describe a serious disagreement or argument, often involving prolonged struggle and marked by emotional tension. Conflict typically has a negative connotation.

  • The conflict between the two countries has led to severe consequences.
  • Their personalities often clash, resulting in frequent conflicts.
contention

Use 'contention' to refer to points of argument or dispute in debates or formal discussions, focusing on intellectual disagreement rather than emotional struggle.

  • The main points of contention in the debate were the economic policies.
  • There is some contention over the interpretation of the data.

Examples of usage

  • The academic rivalry between the two universities led to groundbreaking discoveries.
  • There is a healthy rivalry among scientists to publish cutting-edge research.

Translations

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

Origin of 'rivalry'

The word 'rivalry' originated from the Latin word 'rivalis', which referred to someone sharing the same stream or river. In ancient Rome, a 'rivalis' was a person living on the other side of a river, leading to a sense of competition or conflict. Over time, the term evolved to represent competition and antagonism between individuals or groups striving for the same goal.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,945 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.