Definition

In a way that involves competition or rivalry.

Example

The teams played competitively to win the championship.

Conversation

Did you see how the team played last night?

Yeah, they really went after it competitively!

I love when they show that kind of spirit.

Same here! It makes the game so much more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Competitively → It is formed from "competere" (from Latin, meaning to strive together) and the suffix "-ively" (meaning in a manner). The word "competitively" describes the manner of striving together in a contest or rivalry.

Memory Tip

Think of people 'striving together' ('competere') in a contest, and the '-ively' shows how they do it — that's why competitively means doing something in a competitive way.

Visually Confused Words