Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪvə͡lz] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "rivals" is /ˈraɪ.vəlz/ . The initial sound is the "r" sound /r/, followed by the "ai" diphthong /aɪ/ which is pronounced as a long "i" sound. The final sound is pronounced as a "v" /v/ followed by a neutral "ə" schwa sound /ə/ and ending with the unvoiced "s" sound /s/. This word refers to two or more individuals or groups competing or striving for the same goal or achievement.
Rivals are individuals, groups, or entities engaged in competition or a struggle to achieve a similar goal, often within the same field or domain. The term "rivals" can refer to both individuals and organizations that are engaged in a fierce competition, where each party endeavors to outdo or surpass the other.
Rivals can exist in various contexts, such as in sports, business, politics, academia, and even personal relationships. In sports, for example, teams or athletes competing against each other for victory are considered rivals. In business, companies or brands that are vying for the same market share or customers can be termed as rivals.
Typically, there is a sense of animosity or rivalry between the parties involved, arising from the desire to outperform and gain an advantage over the other. These rivalries often result in heightened efforts, innovation, and strategic planning to outshine competitors.
Rivalries can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the nature and intensity of the competition involved. Healthy rivalries can spur growth, development, and improved performance. However, when rivalries become excessively hostile or detrimental, they can hinder progress, innovation, and collaboration.
Overall, rivals represent opponents or competitors in a particular field, striving to outdo each other in order to attain a common objective or gain an advantage. The dynamics of rivalries can significantly impact the behavior, performance, and success of individuals, organizations, or teams involved.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rivals" derives from the Latin word "rivalis". In ancient Rome, "rivalis" referred to a person living on the opposite side of the river, but eventually evolved to signify someone who shared the same brook or stream. Over time, the term came to signify individuals or groups in competition or in conflict with one another, and eventually encompassed the modern meaning of "rivals".
