What does rival mean Meaning and Definition
What does rival mean
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or thing that is a competitor or opposer; a person or organization that competes with another for the same goal, objective, or audience.
Examples
- The rival company was accused of stealing our technology.
- The two tennis players have been rivals for years, always competing at the highest level.
Synonyms
- Opponent
- Adversary
- Contender
Antonyms
- Friend
- Associate
- Companion
Etymology
The word “rival” comes from the Old French word “rival”, meaning “peer” or “equal”, which is derived from the Latin word “rivalis”, meaning “of the same family” or “of the same stock”.
Usage Notes
When using the word “rival”, it is essential to consider the context and the relationship between the parties involved. The word can convey a sense of competition, conflict, or rivalry.
Cultural References
The word “rival” has been featured in various cultural references, such as the movie “Rivals” (2018), the TV show “The Office” (2005-2013), and the video game “Rival Schools” (1997).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Be a friendly rival
- Stir up a rival
- Play dirty rival
Related Words or Phrases
- Contender
- Opponent
- Adversary
- Competitor
Collocations
- rival company
- rival team
- rival player
- rival league
Frequency of Use
The word “rival” is commonly used in various contexts, including sports, business, and everyday life, making it a widely used and recognized term.
Common Misspellings
- Revel
- Rivell
- Rivail
- Rival