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rival

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈraɪvəl/

KK: /ˈraɪvəl/

adjective
Definition

Describing someone or something that competes with another for the same goal or position.


Example

The rival teams faced off in the championship game.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that game last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was intense! The two teams are such rival schools.
Sloth A
I know, right? Their history just adds to the excitement.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It makes every match feel like a battle.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
competing
contending
opposing
Antonyms
cooperative
supportive
friendly
intransitive verb
Definition

To compete with someone or something in a contest or rivalry.


Example

The two companies rival each other in the tech industry.


Tense Forms

Past: rivaled

Past Participle: rivaled


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard that the two teams will rival each other in the championship this weekend.
Sloth B
Yeah, it's going to be an exciting match for sure!
Sloth A
I can't wait to see how they rival on the field.
Sloth B
noun
Definition

A person or group that competes with another in a particular area, trying to achieve the same goal or surpass them.


Example

The two companies have been rivals for years, each trying to outdo the other in sales.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen how well my team is doing this season?
Sloth B
Yeah, I noticed! Your main rival is really struggling, huh?
Sloth A
It's great to see us ahead, but I know they'll come back strong.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To try to be as good as someone else or to do better than them.


Example

She hopes to rival her brother's achievements in sports this year.


Tense Forms

Past: rivaled

Past Participle: rivaled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that Sarah's project might rival ours this year?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard about that! She's really talented.
Sloth A
I know, right? It's going to be tough to rival her work.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Rival → It originates from the Latin word 'rivalis' (meaning one who uses the same stream), derived from 'rivus' (meaning stream or brook). The term originally referred to people who shared the same resources, leading to competition or rivalry.

Memory Tip

Think of people who share the same 'stream' ('rivus') of resources, which helps you remember that a 'rival' is someone competing for the same thing.

Visually Confused Words
rial
trivial
revival
rerival
derival
arrival
urial
trial
Is this page helpful?
Same here! It always brings out the best in both teams.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
contend
vie
strive
Antonyms
yield
submit
relinquish
Definitely! A good rival always makes the competition exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
competitor
opponent
contender
Antonyms
ally
partner
supporter
We just need to focus on our strengths and do our best!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
match
equal
compete
Antonyms
fail
lose
yield