First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
strive
intransitive verb \ˈstrīv\
: to try very hard to do or achieve something
strove \ˈstrōv\ also strived \ˈstrīvd\ striv·en \ˈstri-vən\ or strivedstriv·ing \ˈstrī-viŋ\
Full Definition of STRIVE
1
: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor <strive to finish a project>
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Origin of STRIVE
Middle English, to quarrel, contend, fight, endeavor, from Anglo-French estriver to quarrel, from estri, estrif strife — more at strife
Related to STRIVE
Synonym Discussion of STRIVE
attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.
STRIVE Defined for Kids
strive
verb \ˈstrīv\
strove \ˈstrōv\striv·en \ˈstri-vən\ or strivedstriv·ing \ˈstrī-viŋ\
Definition of STRIVE for Kids
: to try very hard <We will strive to win.>
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