Words / C1

RYVLR-ee/ˈraɪvlri/

Rivalry is long-running competition: sibling rivalry, rivalry between labs. Rival is the person or the verb. Competition is everyday and can be a one-off contest. Jealousy is about fear of loss. Do not call a friendly kickabout a rivalry unless it has history.

Meaning

A situation in which people or groups compete, often over a long time.

Examples

• “Healthy rivalry between the two labs improved the papers.”
• “The rivalry produced better papers and worse corridor manners.”
• “A one-day contest is competition; rivalry is the longer weather.”

Good to know

Long-running competition. Person/verb: rival. Everyday: competition. Feeling cousin: jealousy. Not a single match without history.

Near in meaning

competition

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