The difference between Compete and Contest

When used as verbs, compete means to be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward, whereas contest means to contend.


Contest is also noun with the meaning: controversy.

check bellow for the other definitions of Compete and Contest

  1. Compete as a verb:

    To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend

  2. Compete as a verb:

    To be in a position in which it is possible to win or triumph.

  3. Compete as a verb:

    To take part in a contest, game or similar event

  1. Contest as a noun (uncountable):

    Controversy; debate.

    Examples:

    "no contest"

  2. Contest as a noun (uncountable):

    Struggle for superiority; combat.

  3. Contest as a noun (countable):

    A competition.

    Examples:

    "The child entered the spelling contest."

  1. Contest as a verb (intransitive):

    To contend.

    Examples:

    "I will contest for the open seat on the board."

  2. Contest as a verb (transitive):

    To call into question; to oppose.

    Examples:

    "The rival contested the dictator's re-election because of claims of voting irregularities."

  3. Contest as a verb (transitive):

    To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend.

    Examples:

    "The troops contested every inch of ground."

  4. Contest as a verb (legal):

    To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist, as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.