Individuals or organizations that strive against others for the same objective or advantage. Those engaged in rivalry, especially in business or sports.
From Latin 'competere' meaning 'to strive together' or 'to coincide,' from 'com-' (together) + 'petere' (to seek). The word originally implied seeking the same goal, not necessarily hostile rivalry.
The Latin root reveals that competition originally meant 'striving together' rather than 'striving against'—suggesting that healthy competition involves shared pursuit of excellence. This etymological insight explains why competition can drive innovation and improvement rather than just conflict.
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