French word

rivaliser

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁivalize/

Meaning

  • verbcompete

Example

Je rivalise toujours avec lui.

I always compete with him.

Illustration for rivaliser (compete)

More examples

Elle rivalise pour un poste depuis des mois.

She has been competing for a position for months.

Core concept

Two competitors press toward the same level, with each trying to equal or overtake the other.

Common phrases

  • rivaliser pour un poste

    compete for a position

  • rivaliser avec le champion

    compete with the champion

Similar words

faire concurrence à: To rival another provider by offering something that threatens its position.
se mesurer à: To assess one's strength through direct competition with someone.
concurrencer: To compete against others in the same market or field for advantage.
être en concurrence: To be engaged in competition with others over the same object.

Definition in French

S'efforcer d'être au même niveau qu'un rival ou de le surpasser.

Word origin

French rivaliser is formed from rival with the suffix -iser, while rival comes through Old French from Latin rivalis, linked to rivus, a stream.

Usage tips

  • Rivaliser normally takes avec for the opponent, as in rivaliser avec lui, rather than a direct object.

Other meanings

  • vie with ___verb
  • rival ___verb

Opposites

  • coopérercooperateverb
  • s'entendreget alongverb

Related words

  • rivalefemale rivalnoun
  • rivalitérivalrynoun

Word lists with this word