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Endure: meaning, definitions and examples

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endure

 

[ɪnˈdʊər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a difficult situation

To endure means to suffer through something difficult or painful without giving up. It implies a sense of resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship.

Synonyms

bear, persist, survive, tolerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
endure

Used to express the ability to withstand hardship or adversity over a prolonged period.

  • She had to endure years of loneliness after her husband passed away
  • The athletes endured the grueling training sessions
tolerate

Used when referring to putting up with something or someone annoying or uncomfortable, often implying a limit.

  • I can't tolerate his behavior any longer
  • She tolerates the noise because she loves living in the city
bear

Used when talking about something one can manage to handle or suffering through something, sometimes unwillingly.

  • I can't bear listening to that song again
  • He bore the pain without complaining
survive

Used to describe making it through a dangerous, life-threatening, or very difficult situation.

  • He survived the car accident with only minor injuries
  • The company had to innovate to survive in a competitive market
persist

Used when emphasizing continuous effort and determination despite obstacles or challenges.

  • Despite the rejection, she persisted in her dream to become an artist
  • The team persisted and finally won the championship

Examples of usage

  • She endured years of hardship before finally finding success.
  • Despite the pain, he endured the grueling physical therapy sessions.
  • During tough times, it's important to endure and keep moving forward.
Context #2 | Verb

over a period of time

To endure can also mean to last or continue to exist over a period of time. It implies longevity or sustainability.

Synonyms

last, persist, remain, survive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
endure

Used when referring to going through something difficult or unpleasant over a long period of time.

  • She had to endure long hours of training before the competition.
  • They endured many hardships during the war.
persist

Used when someone continues to do something despite difficulties or opposition. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies stubbornness.

  • Despite the challenges, she persisted in her studies.
  • He persists in calling me even though I asked him to stop.
last

Commonly used to indicate the duration something continues to exist, often referring to time limits or periods.

  • The meeting lasted two hours.
  • Those shoes have lasted me for years.
survive

Used when someone or something continues to live or exist, especially after a dangerous or life-threatening situation.

  • They survived the earthquake without injury.
  • Only a few plants survived the harsh winter.
remain

Typically used when something stays in the same state or place over time.

  • Only a few pieces of cake remain.
  • He remained calm during the crisis.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient ruins have endured for centuries.
  • True friendships are those that can endure the test of time.
  • The love between them endured despite all the challenges.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'indurare', which means 'to harden', reflecting the idea of becoming stronger over time.
  • In Middle English, the term was 'enduren', linking it to the concept of lasting through challenges.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that enduring hardships can lead to increased resilience, helping individuals bounce back from adversity.
  • The ability to endure is often linked to a person's growth mindset, which encourages seeing challenges as opportunities to learn.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, characters who endure trials often emerge heroically, like Odysseus in Homer’s 'The Odyssey' who faces numerous challenges on his journey home.
  • Poets, including Shakespeare, frequently explore themes of endurance in their works, often relating it to love and hardship.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Fight Song' emphasize endurance, encouraging listeners to keep fighting through tough times.
  • Movies often feature protagonists who endure hardship, such as the character of Simba in 'The Lion King' who faces adversity to reclaim his place.

Science

  • Research in biology shows that organisms can evolve traits that help them endure harsh environments, highlighting survival adaptations.
  • Endurance in physical activities, like marathon running, often relates to physiological adaptations, showcasing how the body can improve its performance over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "endure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suportar

🇮🇳 सहन करना

🇩🇪 ertragen

🇮🇩 menanggung

🇺🇦 терпіти

🇵🇱 znosić

🇯🇵 耐える (taeru)

🇫🇷 endurer

🇪🇸 soportar

🇹🇷 katlanmak

🇰🇷 견디다 (gyeondida)

🇸🇦 تحمل

🇨🇿 vydržet

🇸🇰 vydržať

🇨🇳 忍受 (rěnshòu)

🇸🇮 prenašati

🇮🇸 þola

🇰🇿 шыдау

🇬🇪 ატანა

🇦🇿 dözmək

🇲🇽 soportar

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,456 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.