a. [f. L. competīt- ppl. stem of competĕre (see COMPETE v.2) + -IVE.] Of, pertaining to, or characterized by competition; organized on the basis of competition.
Competitive examination: an examination for a position or office open to the candidate or candidates who ‘pass the best examination’ in the subjects prescribed.
1829. in Southey’s Lett. (1856), IV. 144. Some half competitive, half co-operative societies.
1834. Ht. Martineau, Moral, II. 42. Whether those returns are appropriated by individuals under the competitive system, or equally distributed among the members of a co-operative community.
1857. Toulm. Smith, Parish, 378. The uncarefulness … of public companies, and the risks arising from competitive enterprise.
1860. Mill, Repr. Govt. (1865), 140/1. The choice of the candidates by competitive examination.
1861. Dickens, Gt. Expect., x. A competitive examination on the subject of Boots.
Hence Competitively adv.; Competitiveness.
1858. Sat. Rev., V. 1 May, 435/2. The cadets had been several times selected competitively.
