Cool MateRival vs That makes them our enemy
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Rival
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
That makes them our enemy
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: That makes them our enemy
| Rival | That makes them our enemy | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈraɪvəl//🇺🇸 //ˈraɪvəl// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt meɪks ðɛm aʊər ˈɛnəmi//🇺🇸 //ðæt meɪks ðɛm aʊər ˈɛnəmi// |
| Meaning | A person who competes with another. | They are now our opponent or foe. |
| Example | She emerged as a strong rival in the competition. | Our recent actions have created tension; that makes them our enemy. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | rival team, rival company, rival schools | make an enemy, define as an enemy, see as an enemy |
| Antonyms | ally, friend, partner | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'rival' with 'enemy' - rivals aren't always enemies., Using 'rival' as a verb incorrectly., Mixing singular 'rival' with plural contexts. | Using 'enemy' to describe a friendly competition, which is inappropriate., Confusing 'enemy' with 'friend,' leading to opposite meanings., Overgeneralizing 'enemy' to include minor disagreements. |
| Usage notes | Use in competitive contexts, such as sports or business. Avoid in casual, everyday conversations unless relevant. | Used in discussions involving conflict or rivalry. Avoid in casual or friendly conversations unless discussing serious matters. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Rival vs That makes them our enemy
What's the difference between Rival and That makes them our enemy?
Rival: A person who competes with another. That makes them our enemy: They are now our opponent or foe.
Which is more common: Rival and That makes them our enemy?
That makes them our enemy is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Rival: She emerged as a strong rival in the competition. That makes them our enemy: Our recent actions have created tension; that makes them our enemy.
Can I use Rival and That makes them our enemy interchangeably?
Not always. Rival and That makes them our enemy are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.