What is rival? Pronunciation and usage in English

rival means . Learn how to pronounce and use rival through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of rival

rivalnoun

/ˈrʌɪvl/
Definition & pronunciation of rival

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "rival." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "ri-" – This part sounds like "ree" (as in "see"). Think of it like the beginning of the word "reeve."
  • "val" – This is where it gets trickier. It's a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds. It sounds like "vawl" – similar to the sound you’d make when saying "lawn" but with a slightly more rounded mouth.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly: "ree-vawl"

3. Tips & Nuances:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable – "ree."
  • The “v” sound: Make sure you're making a clear “v” sound, not a “w” sound.
  • Don’t over-elongate: It’s a relatively short word, so try not to stretch out the vowels too much.

Resources for Hearing it:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Different accents can affect pronunciation).

Usage and examples with the word rival in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rival" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so it's important to understand them.

1. Basic Definition: A competitor

At its most fundamental, "rival" means someone who competes with you, especially in a contest, game, or sport.

  • Example: "Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered rivals in the world of football." (They compete against each other.)
  • Example: "The two companies are rivals when it comes to market share." (They compete for customers.)

2. More than Just Competition – Intimate Rivalry

"Rival" can also describe a relationship where people are intensely competitive and often have a personal connection or history. This is a more nuanced and often dramatic meaning.

  • Example: "The two sisters had a lifelong rivalry, constantly trying to outdo each other academically and socially." (It’s not just about winning; it’s about the personal dynamic.)
  • Example: "The rivals in their families always teased each other relentlessly." (Suggests a long-standing, sometimes unpleasant, competition.)

3. Figurative Usage – Something Comparable

"Rival" can be used more figuratively to describe something that is similar or comparable to something else. This is less common but important to recognize.

  • Example: "This new restaurant is a rival to the established Italian place down the street – it offers a similar menu at a slightly lower price." (Here, it's comparing qualities, not direct competition.)
  • Example: “The pastel colors are a rival to the rich jewel tones in the painting.” (Comparing the hues.)

Key Differences & Synonyms

Feature Rival Competitor Opponent
Intensity Usually high, often personal Can be low or high Generally neutral
Relationship Often intimate/personal Transactional Based on activity
Focus Winning/Outperforming Sharing a space/activity Facing each other

Synonyms (depending on the context):

  • Competitor: (Most common, neutral)
  • Contender: (Someone who hopes to win)
  • Antagonist: (Often used in storytelling – a character who opposes the hero)
  • Opponent: (Useful in sports or games)

Tips for Using "Rival" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about the nature of the competition. Is it a straightforward contest, or is there a deeper, more personal dynamic involved?
  • Use strong verbs: Pair "rival" with verbs that describe competition: challenge, oppose, contend, compete.
  • Avoid overuse: "Rival" can feel a bit dramatic if used in every situation. Choose it when it truly reflects the nature of the competition.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you planning to use "rival" in? (e.g., a sentence, an essay, a conversation?)
  • Can you provide the sentence or context where you're planning to use the word?

Synonyms for the word rival

Practice with vocabulary rival

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The two tech giants have been engaged in a fierce competition for market share, each viewing the other as its primary ______.
  2. The renowned chef considered the up-and-coming bistro owner a formidable ______ in the city's culinary scene.
  3. The new software update is designed to directly challenge its main ______ by offering unparalleled security features.
  4. In the upcoming debate, the politician will face a challenging ______ who has strong public speaking skills.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words can describe a person or entity that competes with another for superiority or success? a) colleague b) rival c) partner d) adversary e) ally

  2. The company's innovative new gadget is expected to ______ existing products in terms of performance and user experience. a) collaborate with b) surpass c) rival d) complement e) outshine

  3. Despite being ______, the two research teams often shared preliminary findings to accelerate scientific progress. a) cooperative b) competitive c) rival d) allied e) collaborative

  4. To ensure the project's success, we need to carefully ______ the potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. a) assess b) appraise c) advice d) advise e) allay

  5. The CEO decided to ______ a new marketing strategy to capture a larger share of the market. a) implement b) infer c) imply d) implicate e) imply

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two political parties are constantly in opposition to each other, especially during election campaigns.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "rival" or a related word form.

  2. Her latest novel is considered by many critics to be as good as the works of established literary figures.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "rival" or a related word form.

  3. The athlete's main competitor trained relentlessly to prepare for the championship.

    • Rewrite the sentence without using "rival", but with a suitable replacement word.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. rival
  2. rival
  3. competitor
  4. opponent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) rival, d) adversary
  2. b) surpass, c) rival, e) outshine
  3. b) competitive, c) rival
  4. a) assess, b) appraise
  5. a) implement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two political parties are fierce rivals, especially during election campaigns.
    • (Alternatively: The two rival political parties are constantly in opposition to each other, especially during election campaigns.)
  2. Her latest novel is considered by many critics to rival the works of established literary figures.
  3. The athlete's main opponent trained relentlessly to prepare for the championship.
    • (Alternatively: The athlete's chief challenger trained relentlessly to prepare for the championship.)

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