Rivalry Meaning and Definition
Rivalry
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪlri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of competition or hostility between individuals, groups, or nations, often characterized by a desire to surpass or outdo one another.
Examples
- The sporting rivalry between the two teams has been intense for years.
- The two politicians were bitter rivals in the election.
Synonyms
- Competition
- Antagonism
Antonyms
- Cooperation
- Accord
Etymology
The word “rivalry” comes from the Latin “rivalis,” meaning “belonging to a rival,” derived from “riwalis,” “to contend with.”
Usage Notes
Rivalry is often used to describe competition in sports, business, or politics, but it can also refer to personal relationships or even fictional conflicts.
Cultural References
- In the movie “Jaws,” the shark’s rivalry with the human characters drives the plot.
- In the book “The Hunger Games,” the rivalry between the tributes in the arena is a central theme.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Friendly rivalry” (a friendly and supportive competition)
- “Rivalry to the death” (a fierce and intense competition)
Related Words or Phrases
- Rival
- Competition
- Contest
Collocations
- Rival team
- Rival player
- Rival businessman
Frequency of Use
Rivalry is a common word in modern language, especially in sports and business contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Rivarity
- Rivallry