vie
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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Archaic. to put forward in competition or rivalry.
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Obsolete. to stake in card playing.
verb
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(intr; foll by with or for) to contend for superiority or victory (with) or strive in competition (for)
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archaic (tr) to offer, exchange, or display in rivalry
Other Word Forms
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”
Explanation
To vie for something means to compete for it. Two teams may vie for the gold medal, but one will have to go home with silver. Vie may be spelled the same as the French word, vie, but they are pronounced differently, vī and vē respectively, and are not related in meaning or history. English vie comes from the Latin verb meaning "to invite" as in to invite a challenge. Be careful of the spelling which includes an ie to y shift. “He intends to vie for the top prize,” but “He is vying for the top prize.”
Vocabulary lists containing vie
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Beowulf
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fans on X mentioned similarities between the Grammy-winning artist's tours, with one posting: "No shade the Vie tour just gives scarlet with different outfits."
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025
Appeared in the October 8, 2025, print edition as 'Regional Lenders Merge to Vie With Megabanks'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025
The caption simply stated the date — “9.27.25” — flanked by white heart emojis and audio of “La Vie En Rose” overlaying the display.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2025
Vie, which was founded in February, aims to secure $75 million in a first closing of the fund by year-end, said St. Peter, who is managing director of the firm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 9, 2025
In October of the same year I created the part of Gabrielle Chevrette in 'La Vie,' an adaptation by H. B. Farnie of Offenbach's 'La Vie Parisienne.'
From Famous Prima Donnas by Strang, Lewis Clinton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
