Webster's English Dictionary

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rival

1. ri.val \'ri--v*l\ n [MF or L; MF, fr. L rivalis one using the same 
   stream as another, rival i]n love, fr. rivalis of a stream, fr. rivus 
   stream - more at RISE 1a: one of two or more striving to reach or obtain 
   that which only one can  possess 1b: one who tries to excel  obs  2: 
   ASSOCIATE, COMPANION  3: one that equals another in desired qualities : 
   PEER 
2. rival aj : having the same pretensions or claims : COMPETING 
3. rival \'ri-v-(*-)lin\ vb or ri.valed or ri.valled;  or ri.val.ing;  or 
   ri.val.ling : to act as a rival : COMPETE  1: to be in competition with  2: 
   to strive to equal or excel : EMULATE  3: to possess qualities or aptitudes 
   that equal (those of another)