Compete指兩個（或一些）人或派別之間，為達到某種目標而進行的競爭。例如：

Only two men are competing for the cup （只有兩人在爭奪獎盃）。

contend: [v] 搏鬥, 聲稱, 宣稱, 辯論, 爭奪

vi.[(+against/for/with)]

1. 爭奪,競爭

Three students contended for the prize.

三個學生競爭該獎。

2. 全力對付;搏鬥;奮鬥

There were too many problems to contend with.

要全力對付的問題真是太多太多了。

3. 爭論,辯論

vt.

1. 為...鬥爭(或競爭、爭論等)

2. 堅決主張,聲稱[Y][+(that)]

The police contended that the difficulties they faced were too severe.

警察強調說他們面臨的困難太嚴重了。