fierce rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

'fierce rivalry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to two or more individuals or entities that have a strong competitive attitude towards one another. For example, "The fierce rivalry between the two companies led to a costly legal battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a fierce rivalry but a big friendship.

The Guardian - Sport

— should heighten what has been a fierce rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it their DNA, their upbringing, a fierce rivalry or familial love?

The New York Times

"Look, there's fierce rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in sport," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is known for its fierce rivalry with its Glaswegian neighbour, Celtic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "Old Firm" clubs' fierce rivalry has been the league's principal attraction.

The Economist

Fierce rivalry has led to high prices and a shrinking product range.

The Economist

I remember the Boxing Day matches between the two clubs and the fierce rivalry they generated.

The Guardian - Sport

For world-class runners, they can be an occasion of fierce rivalry, sure.

The New Yorker

There was obviously the fierce rivalry with the United States in Soviet times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Croatia has a fierce rivalry with Serbia.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "fierce rivalry", provide specific examples of the actions or events that demonstrate its intensity. This adds credibility and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce rivalry" to describe minor disagreements or friendly competitions. The phrase implies a significant level of animosity and intensity; using it inappropriately can sound exaggerated or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce rivalry" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing an intense state of competition. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in depicting relationships between people, teams, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fierce rivalry" effectively describes an intense and often hostile competitive relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to accurately reflect the intensity of the competition being described, avoiding overuse in minor disagreements. Alternatives like "intense competition" or "bitter antagonism" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "fierce rivalry" to convey the intended meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense competition

Focuses more on the act of competing rather than the animosity or strong feelings associated with it.

bitter antagonism

Emphasizes the negative feelings and hostility between the rivals.

heated contention

Highlights the passionate disagreement and struggle involved.

vigorous competition

Implies active and energetic competition but not necessarily negative emotions.

stiff competition

Suggests a challenging competitive environment.

ruthless struggle

Emphasizes the uncompromising and potentially damaging nature of the competition.

sharp antagonism

Highlights the acrimonious and hostile aspects of the rivalry.

cutthroat competition

Suggests a ruthless and aggressive competitive atmosphere, where any means are used to win.

major conflict

Focuses on the conflicting nature of the relationship between the entities involved.

extreme competition

Highlights the high degree of competition and its intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "fierce rivalry" to describe intense competition between individuals, groups, or entities. For example, "The "fierce rivalry" between the two tech giants fueled innovation in the industry."

What's a good alternative to "fierce rivalry"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intense competition", "bitter antagonism", or "heated contention".

Is it appropriate to use "fierce rivalry" in a business context?

Yes, "fierce rivalry" can be used in a business context to describe the competitive relationship between companies. However, ensure that the intensity of the rivalry warrants the use of the word "fierce".

What makes a rivalry "fierce"?

A rivalry is considered "fierce" when it involves intense competition, strong emotions, and significant stakes. It often implies a long-standing history of conflict and a determination to outperform the rival at any cost.