compete
/kəm'pi:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same.
- To take part in a contest or rivalry.
- To measure one's abilities or performance against those of others.
Examples of Usage
- Verb:
- Several companies compete for the same customers.
- Athletes from around the world will compete in the Olympic Games.
- She had to compete against more experienced candidates for the job.
Advanced Usage
"to compete with/against someone/something for something": This structure specifies the rivals and the goal of the competition.
- The two brothers often compete with each other for their father's attention.
- The small startup is competing against industry giants for market share.
"to compete in something": This indicates the field, event, or area of competition.
- He has decided to compete in the marathon next year.
Variants and Related Words
- Competition (n): The activity or condition of competing; a contest or rivalry.
- There is fierce competition in the smartphone market.
- Competitor (n): A person or organization that competes against others; a rival.
- Our main competitor has just lowered their prices.
- Competitive (adj): Relating to or characterized by competition; having a strong desire to win or be more successful than others.
- She has a very competitive spirit.
- Competitively (adv): In a competitive manner.
- The product is priced competitively.
Synonyms
- Contend: To struggle in opposition or rivalry.
- Vie: To compete eagerly with someone in order to achieve something.
- Rival: To seem or be as good as someone or something else; to compete with.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Compete against: To try to be more successful than someone or something.
- It's hard for small shops to compete against large supermarkets.
- Compete for: To try to win or achieve something that others also want.
- The teams are competing for the championship trophy.
- Compete in: To take part in a particular contest or event.
- She will compete in the swimming finals tomorrow.
Related Idioms
- A level playing field: A situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding.
- The new regulations ensure a level playing field for all businesses.
- The rat race: The endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit of success or wealth in a competitive environment.
- He decided to leave the rat race and move to the countryside.
Verb
- compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others