★ contend（vi） ～ with/against sb/sth ～ for sth 与竞争对手争夺，与谈人争夺
Several teams are contending for the prize。
有几个队在争夺锦标。
A hundred schools of thought contend.
百家争鸣。
It has to contend with pirates at sea and armed groups on land.
它们需要在海上与海盗们抗争，而在陆地上又要与武装组织战斗。
Small-market clubs such as the Kansas City Royals have had trouble contending with richer teams for championships.
像堪萨斯城皇家队这样市场规模较小的俱乐部一直难以同财力更雄厚的球队争夺冠军。
★ compete（vi） ～ against/with sb/in sth/for sth 竞争、对抗、比赛
A house that has competed in the Grand National four times。
参加过4次“英国大赛马”的马
He thought he would slam-dunk to compete with Hollifield.
他认为在他与霍利菲尔德的比赛中他将稳操胜券。
We have to compete with our rivals like all our competitors.
我们必须跟对手竞争，就像所有竞争对手一样。
Young men compete with each other for membership in these societies and fraternities.
年轻人为获取这些社团和兄弟会的会员身份而相互争夺。