Vetélkedik

Vetélkedik is a Hungarian verb meaning to compete, contend, or vie with others, especially in a contest or rivalry. It conveys a sense of striving to outperform opponents and aiming for a prize, title, or recognition. The nuance is often more about rivalry and contest than simple participation.

Etymology and related terms: the verb is tied to the noun vetélkedés, meaning a contest or competition, and to related words such as vetélytárs, meaning rival. The word cluster centers on rivalry and the act of challenging others in a structured or adversarial setting.

Usage: vetélkedik is commonly used for sports events, academic or literary contests, debates, and public or symbolic struggles for status or prestige. It can describe both formal competitions and figurative rivalries in ideas or personalities. The expression vetélkedik a díjért or vetélkedik a bajnoki címért is typical, signaling competition for a prize or title.

Distinctions: the term carries a somewhat formal or literary tone and emphasizes the contestive aspect more than words like versenyez, which is more everyday and broadly applicable. Küzd is stronger and closer to “fight” or “struggle,” while versenyez covers competition in a wider range of contexts.

See also: Vetélkedés (noun), Vetélytárs (rival).

Examples:

- A diákok vetélkedtek a legjobb dolgozatért. (The students competed for the best paper.)

- Két csapat vetélkedett a bajnoki címért. (Two teams competed for the championship.)

- A két politikus a közönség figyelméért vetélkedett. (The two politicians vied for the audience’s attention.)