To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend
"The two companies will compete for the contract worth millions of dollars."
In plain English: To compete means to try harder than others to win something.
"The two runners will compete in tomorrow's race to see who is faster."
Usage: Use compete when describing individuals or groups striving against one another for a shared goal like a prize or job. This verb implies active participation and direct opposition between rivals rather than simply trying hard alone.
The word compete comes from the Middle French competer, which was borrowed from the Latin competere. Originally meaning "to coincide" or "to be equal to," it entered English with its current sense of striving against others.