What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
archenemies
Example
Batman and the Joker are archenemies, always trying to outsmart and defeat each other. [archenemies: noun]
Example
The two rival gangs have been archenemies for years, constantly battling for control of the neighborhood. [archenemies: plural noun]
rival
Example
The two soccer teams have been fierce rivals for decades, always vying for the championship title. [rivals: plural noun]
Example
She sees her colleague as a rival for the promotion and works hard to outshine her. [rival: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rival is more commonly used than archenemies in everyday language. Rival is a versatile term that can be applied to various competitive situations, while archenemies is more specific and often associated with fictional or dramatic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between archenemies and rival?
While archenemies is typically used in a more dramatic or literary context, rival can be employed in both formal and informal situations, making it a more versatile and widely-used term.