Vying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏆
vying
[ˈvaɪɪŋ ]
Definition
competition
To strive for superiority or victory, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.
Synonyms
battle, compete, compete for, contend, struggle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vying |
Used when multiple entities are actively striving to outperform each other in the same area or for the same prize.
|
| compete |
Used when individuals or groups are trying to win or achieve a goal by outperforming others. It can refer to sports, business, academics, etc.
|
| contend |
Often used in formal or written contexts to describe efforts to win or overcome something. It can imply a challenge or difficulty.
|
| struggle |
Highlights a difficult or prolonged effort against strong opposition. Often has a negative connotation.
|
| battle |
Used in a context of a prolonged and intense struggle, often with negative or harsh connotations. It can refer to both physical fights and metaphorical struggles.
|
| compete for |
Specifically emphasizes what is being contested for, highlighting the object or prize of the competition.
|
Examples of usage
- They were vying for the top spot in the competition.
- The two companies are vying for control of the market.
- I could see the determination in their eyes as they vied for the championship.
- She vied with her classmates for the highest grade in the class.
- The athletes vied with each other for the gold medal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often engage in vying for power, love, or status, reflecting human ambition.
- In poetry, vying can symbolize the struggle between opposing forces, such as emotions or civilizations.
- Modern novels frequently incorporate themes of vying, such as rivalries in love or career pursuits.
Psychology
- The desire to vie for attention and success can stem from social comparison, a concept studied by psychologists.
- Competitive behavior, including vying, can enhance motivation but also lead to stress and anxiety in individuals.
- Understanding why people vie for certain outcomes can help in examining personal goals and societal pressures.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV shows often revolve around contestants vying for fame or a cash prize, highlighting drama and competition.
- Video games frequently feature characters vying against each other in competitions, reflecting the gaming community's competitive spirit.
- In sports, teams and athletes vie for championship titles, showcasing a global culture of competition.
Business
- In the corporate world, companies often vie for market share, highlighting the dynamics of competition and innovation.
- Job seekers vie for positions in competitive fields, emphasizing skills and networking as key factors.
- Competitive marketing campaigns reflect businesses vying for consumer attention through creativity and strategy.
Origin of 'vying'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'vier' which means 'to compete' or 'to strive'.
- It has been used in English since the 15th century, highlighting an ongoing sense of competition.
- The root of 'vying' connects to the idea of fighting or contending, showing its competitive nature.
The word 'vying' originates from the Old French word 'veier' meaning 'to look, to see'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to strive for superiority or victory' in English. The concept of vying has been prevalent in human competition throughout history, from ancient sporting events to modern business rivalries. The competitive nature of humans has led to the continued use and relevance of the word 'vying' in various contexts.
See also: vie.