Word
vie
US/ˈvaɪ/
UK/vˈaɪ/
Definition
v. to compete strongly with other people to get something that only one person can have.
v. to strive in competition or rivalry with another for superiority or to achieve a specific goal.
Examples
“Several companies vie for the government contract.”
“During the election, multiple candidates vie for the attention of undecided voters through televised debates.”
“In the high-stakes world of venture capital, numerous startups vie for a limited pool of funding, each attempting to prove their long-term scalability.”
Examples
simple
“Several companies vie for the government contract.”
contextual
“During the election, multiple candidates vie for the attention of undecided voters through televised debates.”
complex
“In the high-stakes world of venture capital, numerous startups vie for a limited pool of funding, each attempting to prove their long-term scalability.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'for' (the goal) or 'with' (the opponent).
Pitfall
The teams are vying the trophy.
The teams are vying for the trophy.
The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'for' when followed by the object of competition.
Real-World Examples
“The two are vying to fill the Senate seat Marco Rubio won in 2022.” “Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images Candidates of both parties vying for the state’s four Republican-held US House districts have battled over who would be better suited to channel federal resources to the state’s needs.” Etymology
Apheretic form of envy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/vie