Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

compete

/kəmˈpiːt/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.39 in modern English

Syllables
com-pete
IPA
/kəmˈpiːt/
13
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend.

verb

To be in a position in which it is possible to win or triumph.

verb

To take part in a contest, game or similar event.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French competer, from Latin competere (“to coincide, to be equal to, to be capable of”), from com- (“with”) + petō (“to seek; to aim for, strive for”). Compare Latin competītor (“competitor”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

Subject

Wiktionary places this term in Sports.

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Antonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce compete?
The recorded pronunciation is /kəmˈpiːt/.
What does compete mean?
To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend.
Where does compete come from?
It is traced to Middle French.

How to pronounce compete

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “compete”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/kəmˈpiːt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “compete”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “compete” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.