Rivals: meaning, definitions and examples

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rivals

[ˈraɪvəlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

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

Synonyms

adversary, competitor, opponent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rivals	Use 'rivals' to describe two entities that are in a long-standing competition, often with a sense of mutual recognition and possibly mutual respect. This word is often used in sports, business, and other competitive fields. The two schools have been fierce rivals for decades. Apple and Samsung are long-standing rivals in the smartphone market.
competitor	Use 'competitor' in business or sports contexts to refer to someone who is in the same field and aims to achieve similar goals. This word is neutral and doesn't carry the emotional or historical connotations that 'rival' might. The new startup is a major competitor in the tech industry. He trained diligently to outdo his competitors in the race.
opponent	Use 'opponent' to describe someone you are directly opposing in a contest, debate, or conflict. This term is common in sports, politics, and other formal debates, and it doesn’t necessarily imply a long-term rivalry. He knew his opponent's weaknesses and played to his strengths. In the debate, she skillfully countered her opponent's points.
adversary	Use 'adversary' in a more formal or serious context to refer to someone you are competing against or in conflict with. This term is often employed in legal, military, or strategic scenarios, and it can carry a stronger or more negative connotation. In the court battle, she proved to be a formidable adversary. The knight faced his adversary with a calm determination.

Examples of usage

He has many rivals in the tennis world.
The two teams are fierce rivals on the basketball court.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business

A company offering similar products or services in the same market as another.

Synonyms

competitor, competitor, opponent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rivals	Used to describe people or groups who are competing against each other in the same area, often implying a long-term or strong competition. The two companies have been business rivals for over a decade. Throughout their careers, the two athletes have remained fierce rivals.
competitor	Commonly used in business and sports to describe someone who is in competition with others, typically focusing on the competitive aspect rather than personal conflict. Our main competitor in the market has just launched a new product. As a competitor, he is always striving to outperform the others.
opponent	Typically used in sporting or political contexts, referring to someone who is contesting against another, often with a sense of direct confrontation. He easily defeated his opponent in the final match. The politician's opponent in the debate offered strong counterarguments.

Word

Description / Examples

rivals

Used to describe people or groups who are competing against each other in the same area, often implying a long-term or strong competition.

The two companies have been business rivals for over a decade.
Throughout their careers, the two athletes have remained fierce rivals.

competitor

Commonly used in business and sports to describe someone who is in competition with others, typically focusing on the competitive aspect rather than personal conflict.

Our main competitor in the market has just launched a new product.
As a competitor, he is always striving to outperform the others.

opponent

Typically used in sporting or political contexts, referring to someone who is contesting against another, often with a sense of direct confrontation.

He easily defeated his opponent in the final match.
The politician's opponent in the debate offered strong counterarguments.

Examples of usage

Coca-Cola and Pepsi are long-standing rivals in the beverage industry.
The two tech giants are constantly battling as rivals in the smartphone market.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To be competing with someone in the same field or for the same objective.

Synonyms

compete, contend, vie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rivals	Refers to people or entities that are in direct competition, often with a sense of ongoing opposition. Typically implies a more formal or long-term contest. The two companies have been rivals for years in the tech industry. They are lifelong rivals on the tennis court.
compete	Used to describe the act of participating in a contest or competition. It can apply to a wide range of activities, from sports to business. Athletes from around the world compete in the Olympics. Small businesses have to compete with larger corporations.
contend	Implies a struggle or effort to achieve something in the face of difficulty or opposition. Often used in more formal or serious contexts. She had to contend with numerous obstacles to complete her research. Several candidates will contend for the presidency.
vie	Indicates a spirited competition, often among a number of participants, and typically implies enthusiasm or eagerness. The chefs will vie for the top prize in the cooking competition. Students vied for the scholarship.

Examples of usage

Our company is currently rivaling with the biggest player in the industry.
She is rivaling against her best friend for the lead role in the school play.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'rival' comes from the Latin word 'rivalis,' which means 'one who uses the same stream,' referring to people competing for the same resources.
In medieval times, rivals were often those who vied for power or land, establishing the sense of competition we use today.

Sports

In sports, rivalries can ignite intense passion among fans and players, a notable example being the rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
Rivalries often lead to historic games that define careers and forge legends in the sporting world.

Psychology

Research shows that healthy competition with rivals can motivate individuals to perform better, pushing them to achieve their personal best.
The feelings of rivalry can activate the brain’s reward centers, making winning against a rival feel especially triumphant.

Pop Culture

Famous rivalries have shaped narratives in movies and literature, such as the antagonistic relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty.
In the world of technology, companies like Apple and Samsung have a well-documented rivalry that influences innovation and marketing strategies.

History

Throughout history, rival nations have often gone to war to assert dominance and control over resources, influencing global power dynamics.
Rivalries in politics, such as those seen during the Cold War, have shaped international relations and alliances.

Translations

Translations of the word "rivals" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rivais

🇮🇳 प्रतिद्वंद्वी

🇩🇪 Rivalen

🇮🇩 saingan

🇺🇦 суперники

🇵🇱 rywale

🇯🇵 ライバル

🇫🇷 rivaux

🇪🇸 rivales

🇹🇷 rakipler

🇰🇷 라이벌

🇸🇦 منافسون

🇨🇿 rivalové

🇸🇰 rivali

🇨🇳 对手

🇸🇮 tekmeci

🇮🇸 keppinautar

🇰🇿 бәсекелестер

🇬🇪 მეტოქეები

🇦🇿 rəqiblər

🇲🇽 rivales

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,222 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.

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9219 increment
9220 issuer
9221 tumour
9222 rivals
9223 healed
9224 embarked
9225 ant
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