What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agonistic
Example
The two athletes had an agonistic rivalry that fueled their performances. [agonistic: adjective]
Example
The company's agonistic approach to business led to cutthroat competition and aggressive tactics. [agonistic: noun]
competitive
Example
The team was very competitive and always strived to win every game. [competitive: adjective]
Example
She has a competitive nature and always wants to be the best at everything she does. [competitive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competitive is more commonly used than agonistic in everyday language. Competitive is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while agonistic is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agonistic and competitive?
Both agonistic and competitive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but agonistic may be perceived as more formal due to its less common usage.