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to compete

to compete

983 2.6
Try to win against others who want the same thing
  • verb
  • /kəmˈpiːt/
translation icon : competir
  • How could Roku compete with giants like LG or Samsung?
  • competing interests
  • competing priorities
  • able to compete

You do not have to compete with other human beings.

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Examples

  • You do not have to compete with other human beings.

  • Most firms realize that we can't cut salaries and compete with Chicago, he says.

    Academic text (2011)
  • That is to say, we could compete much better in Africa.

  • Learn from the competition, but compete with yourself every single day.

  • Those five will compete in a final race.

  • How are we supposed to compete with that?

  • The buildings in major cities would have to compete for land with commercial properties.

    Academic text (2011)
  • As many people as possible should be able to compete in that part of the economy.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The winner of this bee will go on to compete in the regional competition next month.

  • In order to win the championship, teams must compete against each other in several matches.

Synonyms

to fight
vsto compete
1.0

To try hard to oppose or overcome something difficult

is about trying to win by defeating others rather than resisting or opposing
to play
vsto compete
1.0

Compete against another team or player in a sport

is a broader term for trying to win that applies beyond games and sports
to contend
vsto compete
66 3.7

Compete with others to try to win something

emphasizes achieving success by defeating others or showing superiority
to vie
vsto compete
50 6.2

To try very hard to win the same thing as someone else

is similar but focuses on winning rather than the eager attitude
to contest
vsto compete
33 2.8

To try to win something by competing with other people or groups

is used more widely beyond formal elections or prize events
to play to win
vsto compete
9 3.6

Try to win a game or match rather than just take part

can describe trying to win without stressing intention or attitude
to outvie
vsto compete
  • Archaic
9.9

To try to be better than someone in a contest or task

focuses on achieving victory by defeating or showing clear superiority

Antonyms

466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

Compounds

non-compete
  • Formal
7.3

Stopping a person from working for a rival company after leaving a job

non-compete
  • Formal
6.0

A contract that stops someone working for a rival company for a set time after leaving a job

How Hard

to fight
1.0
to vie
50 6.2
to compete
983 2.6
to try
1.0

Surface Forms

compete infinitive
competed past
competed past participle
competing present participle
competes third person singular

Etymology

The word compete comes from Latin parts com- 'together' and petere 'to seek' or 'aim'. So it once meant people 'seeking' the same thing at the same time, which is why to compete is to try to win against others.