What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enemy
Example
The two countries have been enemies for decades. [enemy: noun]
Example
She felt like the enemy was closing in on her from all sides. [enemy: singular noun]
rival
Example
The two companies are rivals in the market for smartphones. [rivals: plural noun]
Example
He saw his colleague as a rival for the promotion he wanted. [rival: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enemy is more commonly used than rival in everyday language. Enemy is a strong and emotive word that is often used in news headlines, political speeches, and war-related contexts. Rival, on the other hand, is a more neutral word that is commonly used in sports, business, and academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enemy and rival?
Both enemy and rival can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, enemy may be considered more formal due to its association with serious and high-stakes situations, while rival may be considered more informal due to its association with sports and entertainment.
