English word compete comes from Latin con-, Proto-Indo-European *pent-, and later Proto-Indo-European *péth₂eti (To fly.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| con- | Latin (lat) | Used in compounds to indicate a being or bringing together of several objects. Used in compounds to indicate the completeness, perfecting of any act, and thus gives intensity to the signification of the simple word. |
| *pent- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| com- | Latin (lat) | |
| *péth₂eti | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | To fly. |
| *petō | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | |
| peto | Latin (lat) | (ecclesiastical) To missionize or proselytize among the people of a place.. I ask, beg, request.. I attack.. I beg, beseech.. I make for (somewhere).. I seek, aim at, desire. |
| competo | Latin (lat) | Agree, coincide in point of time. Be equal to, be capable of. Come together, meet. |
| competer | Middle French (frm) | |
| compete | English (eng) | To be in a position in which it is possible to win or triumph.. To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend. To take part in a contest, game or similar event. |