strive

Meaning

Verb

1. To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
3. To vie; to compete as a rival.

Noun

Alternative form of strife.

Synonyms

struggle

endeavor

endeavour

try

attempt

contend

try hard

aim

aspire

fight

vie

exert

make an effort

work hard

battle

compete

labour

exert oneself

reach

strain

dispute

seek

🔍

crave

long

intend

be resolved

make effort

be determined

toil

wrestle

scramble

endeavour

endeavor

struggle for

make an attempt

labor

diligent

contest

firm

mean

pursue

be diligent

essay

bother

bid

apply

effort

drive

bicker

make efforts

Translations

esforzarse

streben

αγωνίζομαι

s’efforcer

kämpfen

batalhar

efforcer

esforçar-se

streven

sforzarsi

uğraşmak

trachten

🔍

sich bemühen

anstrengen

peiner

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈstɹaɪv/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: striven

In summary

From Middle English striven (“to strive”), from Old French estriver (“to compete, quarrel”), from Frankish *strīban (“to exert, make an effort”) from Proto-Germanic *strībaną, or from Frankish *stribēn (“to strive”) from Proto-Germanic *stribāną.
As this verb is conjugated as if it were a strong verb (like drive, ride, and write), it is possible this word may instead be inherited from an unattested Old English *strīfan or *strifian, which would itself also be inherited from Proto-Germanic *strībaną.