To place two people, groups, or things in direct competition or conflict with each other.
To make two people or teams fight or compete against each other.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To place people, groups, or things in direct competition or conflict with one another.
"The tournament pitted the top seeds against total unknowns in the first round."
"It is a film that pits man against nature."
— Roger Ebert, film review of 'The Revenant', RogerEbert.com, 2015
To test one's own skills, strength, or intelligence in competition against someone or something.
"She relished the chance to pit her wits against the reigning chess champion."
To place in a pit (an arena for animal fighting) against an opponent — evokes gladiatorial or animal combat.
To make two people or teams fight or compete against each other.
Usually used in passive constructions ('they were pitted against each other') or with a human agent deliberately arranging the conflict. Common in sports, politics, and business contexts. The metaphor comes from cockfighting or bear-baiting 'pits' where animals were made to fight. Neutral in register but slightly dramatic in tone.
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