verb
compete
kum-PEET/kəmˈpiːt/
To try to succeed against others or be as good as them.
The two sprinters compete fiercely as they race shoulder to shoulder.
Etymology
The pieces suggest striving alongside others, not necessarily cooperating with them. Striving alongside another for an attainment developed into rivalry: trying to win against someone pursuing the same goal.
In context
a national university competition is held, in which the top 20 universities compete against each other to eliminate the bottom two.
More examples
- She competes against the fastest runners in the state.
- Our small store cannot compete with their low prices.
- Several qualified candidates are competing for the same job.
Forms
compete · competes · competed · competing
competition noun — The activity of trying to outperform others.
competitor noun — A person or group competing against others.