compete

verb

USkuhm-PEET/kəmˈpit/

4 meanings of compete

1
verbintransitive
To contend with another in a rivalry for the same thing, position, or reward.
Rival networks compete for viewers during the evening news slot.
The two senators competed bitterly for their party's nomination.
Similarvie, contend, fight, battle, struggle
Oppositecooperate, collaborate
2
verbintransitive
To take part in a contest, game, or comparable organized event.
Swimmers must qualify before they can compete at the national level.
Hundreds of bakers competed in the regional pie contest.
Similarparticipate, contend
3
verbintransitive
To strive for something that another also seeks, whether or not either side is aware of the rivalry.
Native plants and invasive weeds compete for water and sunlight.
Two job applicants unknowingly competed for the same opening.
Similarvie, contend, struggle
4
verbintransitive
To be in a position that makes winning or succeeding genuinely possible.
With its new engine, the budget model can finally compete on speed.
A well-funded challenger competes on equal footing with the incumbent.
Similarcontend

Practice

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Origin

Borrowed from Middle French 'competer', from Latin 'competere' ("to coincide, to be equal to, to be capable of"), which combines 'com-' ("with") and 'petō' ("I seek, I strive for").