Spanish word

competir

Pronunciation

IPA/kompeˈtiɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcompete

Example

Ella compite con su hermano.

She competes with her brother.

Illustration for competir (compete)

More examples

En la entrevista, muchos candidatos van a competir por el mismo puesto.

In the interview, many candidates will compete for the same position.

Core concept

Two runners sprinting to cross the finish line first.

Common phrases

  • competir con

    compete with

  • competir por

    compete for

  • competir en

    compete in

Similar words

contender: Seeks victory, prizes, or legal rights by entering a contest or dispute.
disputar: Plays in a match or fixture where teams or players contest the outcome.
rivalizar: Maintains a rival relationship, competing repeatedly with a specific opponent.
concursar: Enters competitions or contests specifically to win awards or earn rankings.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa disputar la superioridad o el triunfo frente a otros en juegos, exámenes, trabajos u otras situaciones.

Word origin

From Latin competere (com- 'together' + petere 'seek'), originally meaning 'come together' and later developing the sense 'contend' or 'vie for superiority'.

Usage tips

  • Spanish present tense shows an e→i stem change in forms like yo compito and ellos compiten.

Other meanings

  • contendverb
  • vieverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word