What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competitive
Example
The athletes were very competitive during the race. [competitive: adjective]
Example
She has a competitive spirit and always wants to win. [competitive: noun]
aggressive
Example
The dog was aggressive towards strangers. [aggressive: adjective]
Example
He became aggressive when he didn't get his way. [aggressive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competitive is more commonly used than aggressive in everyday language, especially in sports and business contexts. Aggressive is more limited in its usage and is often associated with negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competitive and aggressive?
Both competitive and aggressive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but competitive is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.