Endeavor: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'endevoir', meaning 'to obligate' or 'to make an effort'.
• Its roots can be traced back to Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe', indicating a sense of responsibility in taking action.
• The term began to be used in English around the late 14th century, reflecting a cultural emphasis on effort and ambition.

Literature

• William Shakespeare used the concept of endeavor in his works, highlighting the human spirit's pursuit of goals.
• In modern literature, many protagonists go on journeys of endeavor, showcasing growth through effort and determination.
• The phrase 'noble endeavor' is often seen in stories, representing quests that require courage and hard work.

Science

• In scientific research, an endeavor often refers to the pursuit of knowledge through experiments, indicating a systematic effort.
• Space missions are monumental endeavors, requiring extensive planning and collaboration among astronauts and scientists.
• The process of developing new technologies is seen as an endeavor, proving how effort can lead to innovation.

Psychology

• Engaging in endeavors can significantly boost self-esteem, as achieving goals reinforces a positive self-image.
• The concept of 'growth mindset' suggests that seeing challenges as endeavors can help people embrace learning and resilience.
• Studies show that setting endeavor-based goals (specific, measurable) leads to higher success rates in personal and professional life.

Pop Culture

• Many movies depict characters embarking on personal endeavors, like finding love, achieving dreams, or overcoming hardships.
• The phrase 'endless endeavor' is often used in songs and poetry to describe perpetual struggle and hope.
• Reality shows often revolve around contestants' endeavors to win challenges, making for engaging narratives of ambition.

At #6,419 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

• ...
• 6416 estimating
• 6417 heroic
• 6418 rooted
• 6419 endeavor
• 6420 consuming
• 6421 excitation
• 6422 causal
• ...