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

With energy-hungry projects requiring huge workforces and sprawling supply chains, companies including SLB, Baker Hughes and even major oil companies have vied to capture more of Silicon Valley’s spending spree.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bidders will be vying for the chance to attend the charity External link lunch, which will take place in Omaha on June 24 with Buffett and the Currys attending.

From Barron's

Given the lack of wide options at Clarke's disposal, it will almost certainly be those two vying to start on Tuesday.

From BBC

Taxpayers could get sacked, as two states vie for a football arena.

From The Wall Street Journal

Taxpayers could get sacked, as two states vie for a football arena.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• contend
• strive