competition, spectator, victory, motivate, competitor: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 45. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. competition · noun/ˌkɑmpəˈtɪʃən/

   an event or situation in which people try to do better than others

   Child development experts point out that a little healthy competition can be good for kids.

   Synonyms: contest, tournament

   Origin: early 17th century: from late Latin competitio(n-) ‘rivalry’, from competere ‘strive for’ (see compete)

2. spectator · noun/ˈspɛkˌteɪdər/

   a person who watches a public event without taking part

   For over a thousand years, the athletic contests in ancient Olympia attracted spectators from all around the Mediterranean.

   Synonyms: viewer

   Origin: late 16th century: from French spectateur or Latin spectator, from spectare ‘gaze at, observe’ (see spectacle)

3. victory · noun/ˈvɪkt(ə)ri/

   success in defeating an opponent or winning a competition

   The young chess player gained victory in the world championship for girls and boys aged 14.

   Synonyms: success, triumph

   Origin: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French victorie, from Latin victoria

4. motivate · verb/ˈmoʊdəˌveɪt/

   to make someone want to do something or work harder

   As a coach, you must motivate the athletes that you work with according to age, type of sport, and ability level.

   Synonyms: inspire, encourage

5. competitor · noun/kəmˈpɛdədər/

   a person who takes part in a sports event

   The National Championship is also open to international competitors from around the world.

   Synonyms: contestant, rival, opponent