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compete

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kəmˈpiːt/

KK: /kəmˈpit/

intransitive verb
Definition

To try to win or be better than others in a contest or competition.


Example

Many athletes compete in the Olympics to showcase their skills.


Tense Forms

Past: competed

Past Participle: competed


Conversation
Sloth A
Are you excited about the tournament this weekend?
Sloth B
Definitely! I can't wait to see how we compete against the other teams.
Sloth A
I hope we can really compete and show what we've got.
Sloth B
Me too! It's always more fun when the matches are close.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rival
contend
vie
Antonyms
withdraw
yield
submit
Root Explanation

Compete → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "petere" (meaning to seek). The word refers to people seeking the same goal together, often in a context of rivalry.

Memory Tip

Think of people 'together' ('com-') 'seeking' ('petere') the same prize.

Visually Confused Words
recompete
comet
uncomplete
recomplete
incomplete
copemate
copelate
comether
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