vie
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
to compete eagerly or fiercely with someone in order to achieve or obtain something.
To engage in a rivalry or contest; to strive for superiority or success in a competitive manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Vie is a verb that inherently implies a competitive relationship, typically between two or more parties. It is not used for solitary striving. The competition is often for a specific, singular reward or position (e.g., a title, a promotion, someone's favour).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more literary/formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of determined, often fierce competition, sometimes with an undercurrent of effort or struggle.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More common in news, political, and business reporting than in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] vie with [NP] for [NP][NP] vie for [NP][NP] vie to-infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “vie for position”
- “a two-/three-horse race (contextual idiom where 'vie' fits)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe competing companies or executives: 'The two tech giants are vying for market dominance.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, or sociology to describe competition for resources or power.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Possible in discussing sports or reality TV: 'They're all vying for the final spot.'
Technical
Not typical in hard sciences. May appear in game theory or economics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Several firms are vying for the lucrative defence contract.
- The lead actors vied for the audience's sympathy throughout the play.
American English
- The teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs.
- Politicians often vie for donors' contributions during an election year.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2 - use 'compete' instead)
- Two players are vying for first place.
- The sisters sometimes vie for their parents' attention.
- The companies constantly vie with each other to launch the newest product.
- Several candidates are vying for the leadership position.
- The superpowers vied for geopolitical influence throughout the Cold War.
- Upstart magazines sought to vie with the established publications for readership.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'vie' as a short, sharp version of 'rivalry'. Both 'vie' and 'rival' start with 'v' and involve competition.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A RACE / COMPETITION IS WAR (to vie for a position, to vie with an opponent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "виться" (to twist/wind).
- Closer to "соперничать", "бороться (за что-либо)", "конкурировать".
- Avoid using it for non-competitive 'trying' or 'hoping'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without a clear competitor: *'He vied to improve his score.' (Incorrect, solitary).
- Using it for physical fighting: *'The armies vied on the battlefield.' (Unnatural, use 'clashed', 'fought').
- Confusing spelling with 'vy' or 'vye'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'vie' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a C1-level word, more common in formal writing, journalism, and analysis than in everyday conversation.
No. 'Vie' requires at least one other competitor. You vie *with* someone *for* something.
Most commonly 'vie WITH someone FOR something'. You can also use 'vie FOR something' (the competitor is implied).
'Vie' is more literary and often suggests a fiercer, more direct rivalry for a specific, often singular, prize. 'Compete' is more general and neutral.