Compete

/kəmˈpiːt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To strive against others to achieve a goal, often in the context of sports or contests.
The athletes will compete in the championship next month.
To contend with someone or something in order to gain or win something.
Several companies are competing to launch the latest smartphone.
To be in a state of rivalry with others.
She decided to compete in the academic tournament to showcase her knowledge.
To have the capability to match or surpass.
Their product may not compete well with higher-end brands.

Etymology

From Latin 'competere' meaning 'to strive together, meet, be suitable'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to compete against
To strive to win against someone.
compete for attention
To seek to be noticed or considered more than others.
healthy competition
A friendly form of competition that promotes improvement.

Related Words

competition
The act of competing; rivalry for supremacy.
competitor
A person or organization that competes against others.
competitive
Relating to or characterized by competition.

Slang Meanings

Go head-to-head
The two athletes are going head-to-head in the finals.
Beat the competition
Our goal is to beat the competition with our new product line.