vie

American  

[vahy] / vaɪ /

verb (used without object)

vied, vying

1. to strive in competition or rivalry with another; contend for superiority.

   Swimmers from many nations were vying for the title.

   Synonyms:

   struggle, contest, compete

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verb (used with object)

vied, vying

1. Archaic. to put forward in competition or rivalry.

2. Obsolete. to stake in card playing.

vie British  

/ vaɪ /

verb

1. (intr; foll by with or for) to contend for superiority or victory (with) or strive in competition (for)

2. archaic (tr) to offer, exchange, or display in rivalry

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Other Word Forms

• outvie verb (used with object)
• vier noun
• vying adjective

Etymology

Origin of vie

First recorded in 1525–35; by shortening of Middle French envier “to raise the stake (at cards),” Old French: “to challenge, provoke,” from Latin invītāre “to entertain, treat, invite”

Example Sentences

The films also expect to vie in the newly added and long-anticipated casting category.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Ballots for partygoers to predict award winners and vie for gift cards and stickers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Miss Piggy insists on living la vie en rose above all, including romancing herself.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

He told AFP he especially values the Spirit Awards, because they offer important visibility to smaller films with scant resources, especially as they vie for Academy Awards with big studio projects.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

And old Laertes cried aloud: “Ah, what a day for me, dear gods! to see my son and grandson vie in courage!”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

Related Words

• contend
• strive