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Definition of compete

compete

/kəmˈpiːt/
com · pete
Adverb:competitively
•
Adjective:competitive
•
Past Simple:competed
•
Past Participle:competed
•
Present Participle:competing
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compete Lexical Profile

compete Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same.

Example

"Small local bookshops often struggle to compete with massive online retailers on price."

2

To take part as a contestant in a sporting event, race, or formal contest.

Example

"She trained rigorously for four years in hopes of being selected to compete in the Olympic Games."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for compete
Antonyms
View all antonyms for compete

• Rhymes for compete

• Nearby Words

compensation
compensatory
compere
compete
competence
competency
competent

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Late Latin competere ('to strive in common'), formed from com- ('together') and petere ('to seek, aim at, or strive for').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Compete. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/compete
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