Competitive or Competative
Understanding the difference between "competitive" and "competative" is essential for clear communication. This guide will help you use the correct spelling in your writing.
Competative
Incorrect spelling - This word does not exist in English.
"Competative" is a misspelling of "competitive". It is not a valid English word and should never be used.
Competitive
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
"Competitive" is the correct spelling, meaning relating to or involving competition.
Definition of "Competitive"
"Competitive" (adjective): Relating to or involving competition; having a strong desire to win or be more successful than others.
This word describes something that involves rivalry, contest, or competition. It is commonly used in business, sports, academics, and various other contexts where people or entities compete against each other.
Synonyms for "Competitive"
- • Rivalrous
- • Contending
- • Competing
- • Aggressive
- • Ambitious
- • Driven
- • Challenging
- • Fierce
- • Intense
- • Cutthroat
Usage Examples
"Correct:" "The "competitive" market forced companies to innovate."
"Incorrect:" "The competative market forced companies to innovate."
"Correct:" "She has a very "competitive" spirit in sports."
"Correct:" "The "competitive" pricing attracted many customers."
Notes:
- • "Competitive" is spelled with "itive" at the end, not "ative"
- • The word comes from Latin "competitivus" meaning "pertaining to competition"
- • Commonly used in business, sports, and academic contexts
- • Related forms include: competition, compete, competitor
- • The pronunciation is /kəmˈpetətɪv/ (kuhm-PET-uh-tiv)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "competative" ever correct?
No, "competative" is never correct. It is always a misspelling of "competitive". There is no valid English word spelled as "competative".
How do I remember the correct spelling?
Think of "competitive" as having "itive" at the end, like "positive", "negative", or "creative". Remember: competitive ends with "itive", not "ative".
What's the difference between competitive and competitive advantage?
"Competitive" describes something involving competition, while "competitive advantage" refers to a specific advantage that allows a business to outperform its competitors. For example: "competitive market" vs "competitive advantage".
Can competitive be used as a noun?
No, "competitive" is only an adjective. The noun form is "competition". For example: "The competition was fierce" (not "The competitive was fierce").
What are common phrases with competitive?
Common phrases include: "competitive advantage", "competitive pricing", "competitive spirit", "competitive market", and "competitive analysis".
Is there an adverb form of competitive?
Yes, the adverb form is "competitively". For example: "The company priced its products competitively" or "She played competitively."
What does competitive advantage mean?
"Competitive advantage" refers to a condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior business position. It's what allows a business to outperform its competitors in the marketplace.
Why do people misspell it as "competative"?
This misspelling likely occurs because people confuse it with words that end in "ative" like "creative", "relative", or "narrative". However, "competitive" follows a different pattern with "itive".
What does competitive pricing mean?
"Competitive pricing" refers to setting prices that are comparable to or better than those of competitors. It's a pricing strategy used to attract customers and maintain market position.
Are there other words with similar spelling patterns?
Yes, other words ending in "itive" include: positive, negative, creative, sensitive, and intuitive. All of these follow the same pattern as "competitive".
What's the opposite of competitive?
The opposite of "competitive" would be "noncompetitive" or "uncompetitive", meaning not involving competition. Other antonyms include: cooperative, collaborative, and non-rivalrous.
Summary
Competitive is the correct spelling, while competative is always incorrect. "Competitive" is spelled with "itive" at the end, not "ative", and means relating to or involving competition. Use it when describing situations, people, or things that involve rivalry or competition. This spelling mistake is common but easily avoidable by remembering that it ends with "itive" like similar words such as "positive" and "creative".