rivals, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, neutral, business, academic, journalistic. Can be informal in sports/personal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “rivals, the” mean?
A person, group, or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, group, or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
Can refer to anything seen as comparable or competing, such as rival companies, ideas, technologies, or even emotions. Also used as a verb meaning 'to be or seem to be equal or comparable to'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more frequent in British sports journalism.
Connotations
In both varieties, can range from friendly competition to bitter enmity.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “rivals, the” in a Sentence
rivals in [field/activity]rivals for [prize/position]rivals to [person/entity]rivals of [person/entity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rivals, the” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The two supermarkets are fierce rivals for market share.
- He defeated his old rival in straight sets at Wimbledon.
American English
- The tech giants have been rivals for decades.
- She considered him her main rival for the promotion.
verb
British English
- This year's sales are set to rival last year's record figures.
- No other city can rival London for its theatre scene.
American English
- The new software rivals the industry standard for speed.
- Her talent rivals that of a professional.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for companies competing in the same market.
Academic
Used for competing theories, scholars, or schools of thought.
Everyday
Used for sports teams, personal competitors, or comparing products.
Technical
Less common, but used in game theory, economics, and biology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rivals, the”
- Using 'rival' as only a verb (it's also a noun). Confusing 'rival' with 'opponent' (rival implies ongoing competition, not a single contest).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Rival' often implies a more direct, personal, or long-standing competition, while 'competitor' is more neutral and general.
Yes, though less common (e.g., 'rival factions', 'rival bids'). The noun and verb forms are more frequent.
Rivalry is a state of being rivals, often implying a deeper, more sustained competitive relationship. Competition is the broader, more general activity.
Yes. Products, companies, cities, ideas, and even sporting achievements can be described as rivals (e.g., 'The two theories are rivals for explaining the phenomenon.').
A person, group, or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
Rivals, the is usually formal, neutral, business, academic, journalistic. can be informal in sports/personal contexts. in register.
Rivals, the: in British English it is pronounced /ˈraɪ.vəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈraɪ.vəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rivalry runs deep”
- “to rival something/someone”
- “a rivalry for the ages”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two RIVERS (sounds like 'rivals') flowing parallel, competing to reach the sea first.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WAR (e.g., 'battling rivals'), COMPETITION IS A RACE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'rival' correctly as a verb?