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

: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor <strive to finish a project>

: to struggle in opposition : contend

— striv·er \ˈstrī-vər\ noun

See strive defined for kids

Origin of STRIVE

Middle English, to quarrel, contend, fight, endeavor, from Anglo-French estriver to quarrel, from estri, estrif strife — more at strife

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to STRIVE

Synonyms: bang away, beaver (away), dig (away), drudge, endeavor, fag, grub, hump, hustle, moil, peg (away), plod, plow, plug, slave, slog, strain, labor, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, tug, work

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>.