vie

[ vahy ]

verb (used without object)

, vied, vy·ing.

1. to strive in competition or rivalry with another; contend for superiority:

   Swimmers from many nations were vying for the title.

   Synonyms: struggle, contest, compete

verb (used with object)

, vied, vy·ing.

1. Archaic. to put forward in competition or rivalry.
2. Obsolete. to stake in card playing.

vie

/ vaɪ /

verb

1. intr; foll by with or for to contend for superiority or victory (with) or strive in competition (for)
2. archaic.
   tr to offer, exchange, or display in rivalry

Derived Forms

• ˈvier, noun
• ˈvying, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• vier noun
• outvie verb (used with object) outvied outvying

Word History and Origins

Origin of vie¹

First recorded in 1525–35; by shortening of Middle French envier “to raise the stake (at cards),” Old French: “to challenge, provoke,” from Latin invītāre “to entertain, treat, invite”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vie¹

C15: probably from Old French envier to challenge, from Latin invītāre to invite

Example Sentences

“A lot of charities are trying to close out strong, and criminals know that and are vying for the same dollars,” Stokes said.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, she sought out Barney, insisting on speaking only to him rather two other McCarthy biographers vying for her attention.

From Los Angeles Times

The last-minute withdrawal means South Africa will not be represented at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where Ms Le Roux was among 120 beauty queens vying for the coveted title.

From BBC

Disagreements between the self-fashioned libertarians, neoconservatives and nationalists previewed the factions vying for power within the Republican Party, factions which stand to come to the forefront in his next term.

From Salon

It was the first Oscar ceremony where more than one Black performer was vying for the lead actor trophy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contend
• strive