What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competition
Example
The competition between the two teams was intense. [competition: noun]
Example
She competed in the spelling competition and won first place. [competed: verb]
contest
Example
He won the writing contest with his amazing story. [contest: noun]
Example
She will contest in the singing competition next week. [contest: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competition is more commonly used than contest in everyday language, and it is more versatile in terms of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competition and contest?
Both competition and contest can be used in formal and informal contexts, but competition is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
