compete

The word “compete” means to try to win or do better than others in a contest, market, or rivalry. In plain terms, to try to beat others or hold your own against them in some kind of contest.

“Compete” is pronounced kuhm-PEET (/kəmˈpiːt/ in IPA).

Here is “compete” used in a sentence: “Dozens of runners competed in the marathon.”

The opposite of “compete” — its antonyms — is cooperate.

“Compete” is a verb.

The word “compete” comes from Latin. From Latin competere, "to strive together, to be fit for," from com- ("with") plus petere ("to seek" or "aim for").

“Compete” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both are correct and largely interchangeable when talking about rivals: you can compete with or compete against another team or company. Compete against puts slightly more emphasis on direct opposition, while compete with is the more common choice in business contexts, as in firms competing with each other in a market.

Use compete in for the event or arena, as in compete in a race, a tournament, or a market. Use compete for when naming what is at stake, as in compete for a prize, a job, or customers.

Compete is the general verb for trying to win or do better than others in a contest, market, or rivalry. Contend is more formal and often suggests a serious challenger, as in contending for the title; it also has a separate meaning of asserting or arguing a point.

The activity is competition and a person or organisation that competes is a competitor. The related adjective is competitive, describing someone eager to win or a situation involving rivalry.