compete

verb

USkuhm-PEET/kəmˈpit/

4 meanings of compete

1
verbintransitive
To struggle against someone else to win the same thing, place, or reward.
Like two dogs pulling on the same bone.
Two startups compete fiercely for the same customers.
She competed against her older brother for their parents' approval.
Similarvie, contend, fight, battle, struggle
Oppositecooperate, collaborate
2
verbintransitive
To take part in a game, race, or contest.
Like joining a race to see who is fastest.
Athletes from forty countries compete in the games.
He competes in chess tournaments almost every weekend.
Similarparticipate, contend
3
verbintransitive
To try hard to get something that others also want, even if you do not know about them.
Baby birds in the nest compete for every bit of food their parents bring.
Without knowing it, two old friends were competing for the same apartment.
Similarvie, contend, struggle
4
verbintransitive
To have a real chance of winning or doing well against others.
Small shops find it hard to compete with big online stores.
This old laptop is too slow to compete with the newer ones.
Similarcontend

Practice

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Origin

From Latin 'competere', meaning to be equal to or capable of, made from 'com-' (with) and 'petō' (I seek or strive for). It came into English through Middle French 'competer'.