Reading Theme:
Competitive: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：full of competition (competitive)
competitive
/kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv/
adj.
Describing a situation, environment, or field where there is a lot of competition and only the best succeed.
full of competition
➕
/fʊl əv ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃən/
adj.
Describes a field or situation where many participants strive to outperform each other, often with high stakes and pressure.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Root: com- (together) + petere (to seek) + -itive; literally 'striving together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine two pets (com + pet) competing for a single treat – that's competitive.
📖 Example
It's a very competitive industry, and only the most creative companies survive.
This industry is extremely competitive, so only the most creative firms can survive.
🔗 Collocations
highly competitive market – A market where many sellers compete intensely for customers.
competitive advantage – A condition that allows a company to outperform its rivals.
competitive landscape – The overall structure and dynamics of competition in an industry.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
noncompetitive (adj.) – Not involving or characterized by competition.
cooperative (adj.) – Involving mutual assistance in working toward a common goal.
collaborative (adj.) – Produced by or involving two or more parties working together.
🌱 Derivatives
competition (n.) – The activity or condition of competing.
competitively (adv.) – In a way that involves competition or rivals.
competitiveness (n.) – The quality of being competitive; the ability to compete well.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'competere' meaning 'to strive together', it entered English in the 16th century for legal suitability, later gaining its modern sense of rivalry in economics and sports.
Meaning 2：eager to win (competitive)
competitive
/kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv/
adj.
Describing a person who has a strong desire to win or be better than others.
eager to win
➕
/ˈiːɡər tə wɪn/
adj.
Describes a person who has a strong desire to be the best or to outperform others in any activity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My brother is very competitive; even when we play board games at home, he always plays to win.
My brother really wants to win all the time; even casual games at home become serious for him.
🔗 Collocations
competitive spirit – A strong desire to surpass others and achieve success.
competitive nature – An inherent tendency to want to compete and win.
competitive drive – The inner motivation that pushes someone to strive for victory.
🔄 Synonyms
ambitious (adj.) – Having or showing a strong desire for success or achievement.
driven (adj.) – Being strongly motivated to succeed.
relentless (adj.) – Continuing strongly without stopping; not giving up.
🚫 Antonyms
apathetic (adj.) – Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
indifferent (adj.) – Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
easygoing (adj.) – Relaxed and tolerant in approach or manner; not easily upset or worried.
🌱 Derivatives
competition (n.) – The activity or condition of competing.
competitively (adv.) – In a way that involves competition or rivals.
competitiveness (n.) – The quality of being competitive; the ability to compete well.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser