To compete means to try to win or do better than others at something. When runners compete in a race, each one pushes to cross the finish line first. When students compete in a spelling bee, they're all working to spell more words correctly than anyone else.

Competition happens everywhere: in sports, in games, in business, even in nature. Two grocery stores compete for customers by offering better prices or fresher food. Animals compete for territory or resources. Scientists compete to make important discoveries first.

But competing doesn't always mean being enemies. You can compete against friends while still rooting for them to do well. Many athletes say that competing against skilled opponents makes them better because it pushes them to improve. When you compete in something you care about, whether it's a math competition or a basketball tournament, you discover what you're capable of when you really try.

Good competition brings out people's best efforts. Someone who competes regularly is called a competitor, and when many people compete together, they're in a competition.