rivalrous etymology

Etymology:

  • Rival (14th century): From Middle French "rival," from Old French "rival," literally "one who dwells on the bank of a river," from Latin "rivus," meaning "river."
  • Rivalrous (17th century): Derived from "rival" with the suffix "-ous," indicating "full of, characterized by."

Meaning:

"Rivalrous" means characterized by intense competition or hostility between two or more parties. It describes a situation where individuals or groups are competing for the same goals, resources, or recognition.

Origin:

The concept of rivalry stems from the ancient practice of assigning neighboring villages to opposite banks of a river. As the villages developed and expanded, disputes often arose over land, water rights, and other resources, leading to inter-village competition and conflicts. The term "rival" came to refer to someone living on the opposite bank of the river, and by extension, to anyone who posed a competitive threat.

Usage:

"Rivalrous" is typically used to describe competitive situations in various contexts, such as:

  • Business and commerce: Competition between companies for market share, customers, and resources.
  • Sports: Competition between athletes or teams for victory or titles.
  • Politics: Rivalry between political parties or candidates for power and influence.
  • Personal relationships: Competition between individuals for attention, love, or other forms of recognition.

Synonyms:

  • Competitive
  • Antagonistic
  • Hostile
  • Contentious

rivalrous relate terms

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