October 29, 2009
- rival (noun)
- \RYE-vul\
- What does it mean?
- 1 a : one of two or more trying to get what only one can have b : competition2 : one that equals another : peer
- How do you use it?
- Edythe was dismayed to learn that her best friend was her chief rival for the position of club president.
- Are you a word wiz?
The origin of the word "rival" takes us into the natural world. What natural feature do you think plays a part in the story of "rival"?
The English word "rival" can be traced back to the Latin word "rivus," meaning "a stream." From "rivus" came the Latin noun "rivalis," which was used to refer to people who shared the same stream for water. Just as neighbors are likely to argue over who has the right to use a shared source of water, disputes are common when two people want something only one can have. Because of this, "rivalis" came to refer to people who compete in other areas, especially in love. It is this sense that came into English as "rival."
Click here to cancel your e-mail subscription.