Contest vs Competition

[natalia.kyrch]

Hello!

Is there a significant difference between 'contest' and 'competition' in everyday speech? Can I use these words interchangeably?

Thank you.

 

[Tarheel]

In some senses they are synonyms. However, I don't think you can use them interchangeably. For example, we are much more likely to say contests rather than competitions.

 

[5jj]

, we are much more likely to say contests rather than competitions.

Really? I haven't noticed that.

 

[jutfrank]

Hello!

Is there a significant difference between 'contest' and 'competition' in everyday speech?

What do you mean by 'significant difference'? Yes, the words have different meanings and uses. You'll have to give us some example sentences to consider.

Can I use these words interchangeably?

Generally speaking, you should always take the approach to assume that no two words are ever interchangeable. It will benefit you more to find examples where only one word is appropriate rather than ones where both work.

 

[tedmc]

Miss Universe is usually called a beauty contest rather than a beauty competition, though it is essentially a competition. See here.
When it comes to singing, it can either be a singing contest or singing competition. Students take part in a maths competition, but not a maths contest. So, it's rather difficult to describe exactly how the two words are to be used.

 

[natalia.kyrch]

Can I stick to the rule that 'a contest' includes a prize, whereas 'a competition' doesn't?
For example, if I say 'a snowman building contest', there's a prize for the winner; if I say 'a snowman building competition', I mean spending great time building snowmen with no prize for the winner in the end?

 

[tedmc]

Who would take part in a competition where there are no prizes?

 

[Glizdka]

I can compete against other competitors in a competition, but can I contest other contestants in a contest?

 

[5jj]

Can I stick to the rule that 'a contest' includes a prize, whereas 'a competition' doesn't?

No.

 

[natalia.kyrch]

I can compete against other competitors in a competition, but can I contest other contestants in a contest?

 

[natalia.kyrch]

Who would take part in a competition where there are no prizes?

fair point well made

 

[emsr2d2]

Fair point. Well made.

Remember to capitalise and punctuate sentences appropriately, no matter how short they are.

 

[SoothingDave]

Who would take part in a competition where there are no prizes?

There is no immediate prize or trophy for most sporting events. I mean football, baseball, etc. games played during a season. Winning is the only prize, along with bragging rights.

Sure, continued success leads to chances to win championships, but any random regular season game has no prize.