à l'envi

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in eager rivalry, vying with one another
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/a lɑ̃.vi/
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In eager rivalry, with each person trying to outdo the others.
Practice using à l'envi in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Les chroniqueurs ont critiqué le film à l'envi.
    The columnists criticized the film in eager competition with one another.
  • Les journaux annonçaient à l'envi la fin du vieux système.
    The newspapers eagerly competed to announce the end of the old system.
  • Ils rivalisaient à l'envi de compliments pour accueillir l'invitée.
    They vied with one another in praising the guest.
  • Les enfants inventaient à l'envi des histoires toujours plus extravagantes.
    The children competed to invent ever more extravagant stories.
  • Chacun répétait à l'envi que la réforme était urgente.
    Everyone vied in repeating that the reform was urgent.

Similar words

par émulation
en rivalisant
à qui mieux mieux

Meanings

In eager competition

competition
literary
Said of people doing or saying the same thing in rivalry, each trying to do it more or better.

Examples

  • Les chroniqueurs ont critiqué le film à l'envi.
    The columnists criticized the film in eager competition with one another.
  • Ils rivalisaient à l'envi de compliments pour accueillir l'invitée.
    They vied with one another in praising the guest.
  • Les enfants inventaient à l'envi des histoires toujours plus extravagantes.
    The children competed to invent ever more extravagant stories.
  • Chacun répétait à l'envi que la réforme était urgente.
    Everyone vied in repeating that the reform was urgent.
  • Les journaux annonçaient à l'envi la fin du vieux système.
    The newspapers eagerly competed to announce the end of the old system.

Similar words

à qui mieux mieux
en rivalisant
par émulation

Etymology

From Old French envi, “challenge”, related to a verb from Latin invitare, “to invite”; it is distinct from envie, “desire”.

FAQ

What does à l'envi mean?

In eager competition with one another.

Does it mean “with desire”?

No, envi here means a challenge, not envie.

How is it spelled?

Envi has no final e in this expression.

Is it literary?

Yes, it is commoner in careful writing.

Can it modify criticism?

Yes, people can criticize something à l'envi.

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