Third person singular present tense of compete; strives against another or others for superiority or a prize.
From Latin 'competere' (to come together, strive together, be suitable), combining 'com-' (together) and 'petere' (to seek, strive). The verb entered English by the 1600s and remains productive.
The Latin root 'petere' (to seek) appears in amazing words—'petition,' 'perpetual,' 'appetite,' 'compete.' They're all about seeking or striving! Understanding root words suddenly makes hundreds of words feel connected.
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