arch rival etymology

Etymology

"Arch rival" is derived from the words "arch" and "rival."

  • Arch: From the Latin "arcus," meaning "bow" or "arch," which signifies something chief, dominant, or superior.
  • Rival: From the Latin "rivalis," meaning "of a brook," referring to two adjacent landowners who share a stream and are therefore in competition for its resources.

Meaning

An arch rival is a person, team, or entity that is considered to be the primary competitor or opponent in a field or endeavor. It implies a high level of rivalry and competition, often characterized by hostility, animosity, and a desire to outdo the other.

Origin

The term "arch rival" emerged in the early 19th century. It was initially used in the context of sporting competitions, but it eventually expanded to encompass other areas where intense rivalry existed, such as business, politics, or entertainment.

Examples

  • Sports: The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are considered arch rivals in Major League Baseball.
  • Business: Coca-Cola and Pepsi are arch rivals in the soft drink industry.
  • Politics: The Democratic and Republican parties in the United States are often described as arch rivals.

Variations

  • Sworn rival: A rival with whom one has made a formal vow or declaration of enmity.
  • Mortal enemy: A rival with whom one has an intense and potentially deadly conflict.
  • Nemesis: A rival who is considered to be a source of doom or misfortune.

arch rival relate terms

  • rival

    Etymology French rival Latin rivalis someone who uses the same riverbank as another

  • arch

    Etymology The word arch is derived from the Latin word arcus which means bow or

  • archon

    Etymology From Ancient Greek άρχων archōn meaning ruler Meaning and Origin

  • antagonist

    Etymology Greek ἀνταγωνιστής antagonistēs from ἀντί anti agai

  • arcade

    Etymology Arcade noun derives from the Latin word arcus arch through Old French

  • emulation

    Etymology Latin emulari to strive to equal mimic imitate From emulus rival im

  • apse

    Etymology Sanskrit आप āpa Meaning Water Sea River Origin The word aps

  • envy

    Etymology The word envy comes from the Old French word envier which means to

  • keystone

    Etymology Keystone is derived from the Middle English word keyston which itself is f

  • clue

    Etymology Old English clūwe meaning a ball of yarn Middle English clew meaning

  • solution

    Etymology The word solution is derived from the Latin word solutio which means loo

  • ascetic

    Etymology The word ascetic derives from the Greek askētikos meaning pertaining to