compete - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
compete Word Meanings
- to strive against others for victory
- to be in a contest
- to seek to win or achieve something
compete Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
compete Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəmˈpiːt/
US
/kəmˈpiːt/
compete Word Etymology
com- = together + petere = seek. Latin 'competere' → Old French 'compéter' → English 'compete'. Imagine two runners side by side in a race, both seeking the same finish line, striving together yet separately for victory.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, press into the ground, and push off. I move with the others, my eyes on the moment, my body shifting and adjusting as the pace changes. The effort sits in my chest, a quick decision to keep going even when I want to ease up. That push and pull with rivals becomes a moment you are competing—wanting to win or at least test your own edge.
Real Context
Compete means to strive against others for victory, or to be involved in a contest, often implying effort, rivalry, and a goal to win or achieve something. In English you can say people compete for prizes, to win a contract, or to perform better than rivals. You can also use compete with someone to describe ongoing rivalry, and compete in a competition to enter a formal event. The word can be used for sports, business, or intellectual challenges, and it often pairs with for followed by the object of effort (compete for a medal, compete for customers). Remember that competitive can describe attitudes and situations, not just people.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to collocate with for, with, or against; use the noun form competition to refer to the event; distinguish competition (n.) from competitive (adj.); note that you can compete against rivals or compete with teammates; practice both sports and non-sport contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Compete always implies a fight or argument
- You must win to be considered competing
- compete with is the same as compete against
- Competition only happens in sports
- Competitive describes people, not situations
Thinking Differences
English emphasizes a clear sense of rivalry and objective outcomes (win/lose) and commonly uses 'compete for' or 'compete with' to describe relationships or goals in many contexts.
Learning Tips
- Learn core collocations: compete for, compete with, and compete against.
- Remember the noun form: competition, and the adjective: competitive.
- Differentiate with vs against (with implies collaboration in some contexts).
- Practice changing tense: competed, competing, will compete.
- Use real-world examples beyond sports (business, academics).
- Watch for false friends in other languages where kompetisi may translate differently.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'compete'?
A.Cooperate
B.Struggle
C.Participate
D.Fight
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'compete' correctly?
A.The students compete to help each other in class.
B.The cats compete to share their food.
C.The two friends compete to finish their homework together.
D.The siblings compete to go on a picnic.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'compete'?
A.Collaborate
B.Rival
C.Coexist
D.Team up
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'compete'?
A.Assist
B.Succeed
C.Cooperate
D.Conquer
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'compete'?
A.Students sharing study materials
B.Siblings playing together harmoniously
C.Athletes racing to win a medal
D.Friends helping each other with a project
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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