Cool MateAn enemy vs Rival
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
An enemy
Top 2,000 (common)
Rival
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
| An enemy | Rival | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ən ˈɛməni//🇺🇸 //ən ˈɛməni// | 🇬🇧 //ˈraɪvəl//🇺🇸 //ˈraɪvəl// |
| Meaning | A person who wants to harm you. | A person who competes with another. |
| Example | He always considered her an enemy during their debates. | She emerged as a strong rival in the competition. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | develop an enemy, see an enemy, defeat an enemy | rival team, rival company, rival schools |
| Antonyms | - | ally, friend, partner |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'friend' - knowing the opposite meaning., Using 'enemies' incorrectly in formal writing., Mixing up 'enemy' with 'rival' - different connotations. | Confusing 'rival' with 'enemy' - rivals aren't always enemies., Using 'rival' as a verb incorrectly., Mixing singular 'rival' with plural contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in discussions about conflict, competition, or rivalry. Not typically used in friendly contexts. | Use in competitive contexts, such as sports or business. Avoid in casual, everyday conversations unless relevant. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: An enemy vs Rival
What's the difference between An enemy and Rival?
An enemy: A person who wants to harm you. Rival: A person who competes with another.
Can you show an example of each?
An enemy: He always considered her an enemy during their debates. Rival: She emerged as a strong rival in the competition.
Can I use An enemy and Rival interchangeably?
Not always. An enemy and Rival 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.