bitter rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and hostile competition between two parties, often in sports, politics, or personal relationships. Example: "The bitter rivalry between the two football teams has led to intense matches over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A bitter rivalry was born.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, the country's bitter rivalry with Pakistan continues.

The New York Times

The world of golf has a new and bitter rivalry.

The New Yorker

Bitter rivalry spanning three decades * Ivory Coast's warring presidential claimants have a long history of bitter rivalry.

Independent

"It's a bitter rivalry now," Florida linebacker Travis Carroll said.

The New York Times - Sports

"You've got to understand that it's a bitter rivalry.

The Guardian

There was a bitter rivalry between them, though they never met.

The New Yorker

Bitter rivalry between Renamo and MDM leaders weakened their chances for electoral success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bitter rivalry between Bayezid and Selim dragged on for years, culminating in a civil war.

The New Yorker

First, it brought his bitter rivalry with Ted out into the open.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Well what it actually brought out was Ted's perception that there was a bitter rivalry.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "bitter rivalry", provide specific examples of the actions or events that demonstrate the intensity and hostility of the competition. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase "bitter rivalry" for situations that are simply competitive. Ensure the context genuinely involves significant animosity and conflict, not just a healthy contest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter rivalry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of intense and hostile competition between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter rivalry" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe intense and hostile competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for many writing contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When using the phrase, be sure that the context genuinely reflects significant animosity, not just a healthy competition. Alternative phrases like "intense feud" or "fierce competition" may be more suitable in certain cases. Remember, while authoritative sources frequently employ this term, carefully consider the degree of negativity you want to convey in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense feud

Focuses more on a prolonged and deeply personal animosity.

fierce competition

Emphasizes the competitive aspect more than the animosity.

acrimonious conflict

Highlights the sharpness and bitterness of the disagreement.

heated contention

Suggests a strong and potentially angry dispute.

rancorous dispute

Emphasizes the deep-seated resentment and ill will.

hostile opposition

Highlights the antagonistic nature of the relationship.

venomous antagonism

Suggests a particularly poisonous and spiteful relationship.

contentious relationship

Highlights the tendency for disagreement and argument.

strained relations

Indicates a relationship marked by tension and difficulty.

deep-seated animosity

Emphasizes the long-lasting and profound nature of the ill feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter rivalry" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter rivalry" to describe intense and hostile competitions, such as "The bitter rivalry between the two sports teams led to several violent altercations."

What's a more formal alternative to "bitter rivalry"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "acrimonious conflict" or "hostile opposition" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is "intense rivalry" or "bitter rivalry" more appropriate?

"Intense rivalry" simply implies a strong competition, while "bitter rivalry" suggests a deeper level of animosity and resentment. Choose based on the specific context and the nature of the relationship you're describing.

What are some situations where I might see a "bitter rivalry"?

You might encounter a "bitter rivalry" in politics, sports, business, or even personal relationships where there's a history of conflict and strong negative emotions.