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Someone or something that is as good as or better than others in a contest.
Explanation at your level:
You use competitive to say someone likes to win. If you play a game and you really want to win, you are competitive. It is a good word for sports and school games.
When you are competitive, you try to do better than your friends. A store can also be competitive if its prices are lower than other stores. It is common in shopping and sports.
At this level, you see competitive used in job interviews or business. A 'competitive salary' is a good pay package. It describes someone who works hard to achieve success in a group.
You might describe a competitive market where many companies fight for customers. It implies a high level of intensity. You can also have a 'competitive spirit,' which is a positive trait for achieving goals.
In advanced contexts, competitive can describe complex dynamics. It often appears in academic writing about 'competitive advantage' in economics. It suggests a strategic position rather than just a simple desire to win.
Mastering this word involves understanding the nuance between 'healthy competition' and 'ruthless rivalry.' It is used in literary contexts to describe the human condition—the innate drive to surpass one's limitations or peers in a historical or philosophical sense.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Adjective meaning wanting to win.
- Used for people and business.
- Commonly paired with market/salary.
- Opposite of cooperative.
When we say someone is competitive, we are usually describing their drive to win. It is a word that pops up everywhere, from sports fields to corporate boardrooms. Being competitive isn't just about being aggressive; it is about having that extra edge that helps you stand out.
You can also use this word to describe things, not just people. For example, a competitive price means a product is priced low enough to beat other sellers. It is all about the balance between being the best and staying ahead of the crowd.
The word competitive comes from the Latin word competere, which literally means 'to strive together.' Interestingly, it combines com- (together) and petere (to seek or aim at). It suggests that competition is a way of reaching for the same goal as others.
Over centuries, the meaning shifted from simply 'striving together' to the more modern sense of 'rivalry.' It entered English via French in the 17th century. It is fascinating how a word that once meant cooperation now defines our modern, fast-paced world of winning and losing.
You will hear competitive used in two main ways. First, in sports and personality: 'She is a very competitive athlete.' This is neutral to slightly positive.
Second, in business and economics: 'We offer competitive salaries.' This is very common in professional settings. You will often see it paired with words like 'market,' 'advantage,' or 'spirit.' It is a versatile word that fits almost any professional or personal context.
1. Cut-throat competition: Extremely intense and ruthless. Example: 'The tech industry is known for its cut-throat competition.'
2. A level playing field: A situation where everyone has the same chance. Example: 'New laws have created a more level playing field.'
3. Keep up with the Joneses: Trying to match the lifestyle of others. Example: 'He buys expensive cars just to keep up with the Joneses.'
4. Neck and neck: Being equal in a race. Example: 'The two candidates are neck and neck in the polls.'
5. Ahead of the pack: Being more successful or advanced than others. Example: 'Innovation keeps our company ahead of the pack.'
The word is an adjective, so it usually comes before a noun or after a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems.' The stress is on the second syllable: kəm-PET-i-tiv.
In British English, the 't' sounds are often very crisp. In American English, the 't' in the middle might sound like a soft 'd' (a flap t). It rhymes with words like 'repetitive' or 'incentive' in terms of rhythm.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'petition'!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'pet' sound
Flap 't' sounds
Common Errors
- stressing the first syllable
- mispronouncing the 't' as 'd'
- dropping the 'i'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Adjective order
A highly competitive market
Linking verbs
He seems competitive
Noun modifiers
Competitive sports
Examples by Level
He is very competitive.
He likes winning.
Adjective after verb
I like competitive games.
Games where you win.
Adjective before noun
She is a competitive player.
She plays to win.
Noun modifier
They are very competitive.
They want to win.
Plural subject
It is a competitive sport.
A sport with winners.
Describing a noun
Is he competitive?
Does he like winning?
Interrogative
We are not competitive.
We play for fun.
Negative form
The game is competitive.
It is a close game.
State of being
She has a competitive spirit.
The prices are very competitive.
It is a competitive job market.
He is a highly competitive student.
They enjoy competitive swimming.
The market is becoming more competitive.
We need competitive strategies.
Are you a competitive person?
The company offers a competitive salary.
She gained a competitive advantage.
The industry is extremely competitive.
He has a competitive edge over his peers.
They engaged in competitive bidding.
It is a competitive environment for startups.
We must remain competitive in this sector.
Her competitive nature drives her success.
The global economy is increasingly competitive.
He thrives in a competitive atmosphere.
They face stiff competitive pressure.
The team has a strong competitive drive.
Maintaining a competitive edge is vital.
It was a fiercely competitive race.
She is known for her competitive streak.
The firm focuses on competitive pricing.
The candidate demonstrated a competitive mindset.
We are analyzing the competitive landscape.
The firm lost its competitive position.
His competitive instincts took over.
The region is a competitive hub for tech.
They are seeking a competitive advantage.
The policy aims to foster competitive markets.
She is a formidable and competitive opponent.
The company is striving for competitive parity.
His competitive ethos defines the corporate culture.
The sector is characterized by intense competitive rivalry.
She possesses a rare competitive tenacity.
The firm is leveraging its competitive assets.
A competitive equilibrium has been reached.
The strategy hinges on competitive differentiation.
They are engaging in a competitive struggle for dominance.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"neck and neck"
equal in a race
The two runners were neck and neck.
casual"keep up with the Joneses"
copying others
They spend too much trying to keep up with the Joneses.
casual"level playing field"
fair competition
The new rules ensure a level playing field.
neutral"ahead of the pack"
leading
Our technology keeps us ahead of the pack.
neutral"dog-eat-dog"
ruthless
It is a dog-eat-dog world out there.
informal"throw one's hat in the ring"
to join a competition
He decided to throw his hat in the ring for the election.
neutralEasily Confused
similar sound
competent = skilled, competitive = wants to win
He is a competent driver (skilled), but not a competitive one (doesn't race).
starts with com-
compatible = gets along
They are compatible roommates.
similar rhythm
compulsive = can't stop doing something
He is a compulsive shopper.
rhymes
repetitive = doing the same thing
The task is repetitive.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + competitive
He is competitive.
Subject + is + a + competitive + noun
She is a competitive athlete.
The + noun + is + competitive
The market is competitive.
Subject + has + a + competitive + edge
They have a competitive edge.
It + is + a + highly + competitive + environment
It is a highly competitive environment.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Competitiveness is a noun.
Competent means skilled, competitive means wanting to win.
Use stronger adverbs for better collocations.
Adjectives need nouns or linking verbs.
It is spelled with an 'i'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a trophy on your desk.
Business Context
Use it for salaries and markets.
Western Values
Competition is often praised.
Adjective Position
Before the noun.
Stress the 2nd
Don't stress the first.
Spelling
Remember the 'i'.
Latin Root
Striving together.
Flashcards
Pair with 'market'.
Adverbs
Use 'highly' or 'fiercely'.
Sports
Use for players.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
COMPETe with a PETitive (repetitive) drive.
Visual Association
A race track with runners.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write three sentences about your favorite sport.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Original meaning: to strive together
Kultureller Kontext
Can imply aggression in some cultures.
Highly valued in US business culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- competitive salary
- competitive advantage
- competitive market
sports
- competitive player
- competitive spirit
- competitive match
shopping
- competitive price
- competitive offer
- competitive rates
school
- competitive student
- competitive environment
- competitive grades
Conversation Starters
"Are you a competitive person?"
"Do you like competitive sports?"
"Is it good to be competitive at work?"
"What makes a market competitive?"
"Who is the most competitive person you know?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were competitive.
Is competition always healthy? Why?
How do you stay ahead of the pack?
What is a competitive advantage you have?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNo, it depends on the context.
Yes, like competitive prices.
Competitiveness.
It is neutral.
kəm-PET-i-tiv.
Yes, but 'fiercely' is better.
Yes, for grades or sports.
Uncompetitive or cooperative.
Teste dich selbst
She is a very ___ player.
Fits the context of sports.
What does competitive mean?
Matches definition.
A competitive salary is a low salary.
It means a good salary.
Word
Bedeutung
Common collocations.
Standard adjective order.
They have a ___ advantage.
Fixed phrase.
Competitive can describe a person's nature.
Yes, a 'competitive nature'.
Which is a synonym?
Ambitious is similar.
Word
Bedeutung
Concept mapping.
Complex structure.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Competitive describes the drive to win or the state of being equal to others in a race.
- Adjective meaning wanting to win.
- Used for people and business.
- Commonly paired with market/salary.
- Opposite of cooperative.
Memory Palace
Imagine a trophy on your desk.
Business Context
Use it for salaries and markets.
Western Values
Competition is often praised.
Adjective Position
Before the noun.
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