'vie' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'envier', where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'vier' meant 'to invite or challenge'.

'envier' transformed into the Middle English word 'vien', and eventually became the modern English word 'vie'.

Initially, it meant 'to challenge or provoke', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to compete or strive for superiority'.