Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
The word ‘jostle’ can be used in both a literal and figurative sense. Literally, it expresses colliding or coming into contact with people, usually in order to make your way through a crowd or to do something before others. Figuratively, it can be used in relation to competing vigorously with others in order to gain an objective.
I had to jostle with a number of highly qualified candidates for the position, but in the end, I got the job.
The paparazzi were jostling to get the best vantage point for a photograph as the royal couple arrived at the charity gala.
A huge crowd packed into the concert which made it quite an unpleasant experience. I did not like being constantly jostled by people.