The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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rival

noun

/ˈraɪ vəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of rival

A person, group, or entity that competes with or opposes another in a particular endeavor or pursuit.
"The two soccer teams were fierce rivals, always competing for the championship title."

Detailed meaning of rival

A rival is someone who is seen as a competitor or adversary, often vying for the same objective, position, or achievement. Rivals are typically engaged in a rivalry, which is a state of intense competition and rivalry often characterized by a desire to outperform or surpass one another. Rivals can exist in various domains such as sports, business, academia, or even personal relationships. They challenge each other, striving to achieve superiority or gain an advantage over the other. The presence of a rival often fuels motivation, determination, and the pursuit of excellence, as individuals or entities seek to outdo their competitors and prove their own worth. The relationship between rivals can range from friendly competition to bitter rivalry, with a constant drive to outperform and surpass one another.

Example sentences containing rival

1. The fierce rival team posed a significant challenge.
2. In business, having a strong rival can drive innovation.
3. She considered her coworker a friendly rival.
4. The rivalry between the two companies was intense.
5. The rivalry between siblings often led to conflicts.
6. The political rivals debated vigorously on TV.

History and etymology of rival

The noun 'rival' has a fascinating etymology that can be traced back to Latin roots. It originates from the Latin word 'rivalis,' which was used to describe someone who shared a stream or river, particularly its banks, with another. This term 'rivalis' is derived from 'rivus,' meaning 'stream' or 'brook.' In ancient Rome, individuals who relied on the same water source often found themselves in competition for access, and thus the concept of competition and opposition emerged from this shared use of resources. Over time, the word 'rival' transitioned to describe not only those competing for physical resources but also individuals, groups, or entities engaged in competition or opposition in various endeavors or pursuits. Today, a 'rival' refers to a person, group, or entity that competes with or opposes another in a particular field or area of interest.

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Further usage examples of rival

1. The music industry is filled with talented rivals.
2. The soccer match between rivals drew a huge crowd.
3. Their rivalry in academics pushed them to excel.
4. The rivalry between neighbors turned into a feud.
5. The rivalry between superheroes added drama to the movie.
6. The tech giants were bitter rivals in the market.
7. The chef's culinary skills outshone those of his rival.
8. The courtroom was tense with the two legal rivals.
9. The historic rivalry between nations spanned centuries.
10. The fashion designers were friendly but fierce rivals.
11. The rivals' competition for the promotion was intense.
12. The political rivals exchanged sharp criticisms.
13. The intense rivalry fueled their determination to win.
14. Their longstanding rivalry finally came to an end.
15. The tech giants were rivals in the market, constantly releasing new products to outdo each other.
16. Her academic achievements made her the rival of many of her classmates.
17. The two fashion designers were bitter rivals, often copying each other's styles.
18. The company's new product posed a threat to its rival in the industry.
19. The chess grandmasters faced each other as rivals in the tournament.
20. The political rivals engaged in heated debates to gain the upper hand.
21. The singer's latest album was released on the same day as her rival's, sparking a rivalry in sales.
22. The marathon runners pushed themselves to their limits, trying to outpace their rivals.
23. The restaurant owner was determined to outshine their rival with innovative dishes and impeccable service.
24. The rivalry between the two gangs led to frequent clashes and disputes over territory.
25. The tennis players had been rivals since their junior days, and their matches were always intense and closely contested.