What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rivalry
Example
The rivalry between the two soccer teams was intense. [rivalry: noun]
Example
The two companies have been in a fierce rivalry for years. [rivalry: noun]
conflict
Example
The conflict between the two countries lasted for years. [conflict: noun]
Example
They had a conflict over the best way to approach the project. [conflict: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conflict is more commonly used than rivalry in everyday language. Conflict is a broader term that covers a wider range of situations, while rivalry is more specific and often used in the context of sports or business.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rivalry and conflict?
Both rivalry and conflict can be used in formal and informal contexts, but conflict is often associated with a more serious and formal tone, while rivalry can be used in a more casual or lighthearted context.