Strive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
strive
[straษชv ]
Definitions
to achieve
to make a great effort to achieve something; to struggle or fight vigorously
Synonyms
attempt, endeavor, fight, struggle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strive |
Used when putting in a lot of effort to achieve something important or difficult. Often has a positive connotation, emphasizing determination and positive effort.
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| attempt |
Used to indicate a try at doing something, often without necessarily succeeding. It conveys a neutral connotation, neither positive nor negative.
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| endeavor |
Used for serious or long-term efforts, often in professional, academic, or creative contexts. It has a formal and positive tone.
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| struggle |
Used to describe a situation that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort, often implying hardship or a lack of success. It has a negative or challenging connotation.
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| fight |
Used when confronting an obstacle or opposition, typically in a more aggressive or physical manner. It often has a contentious connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She strove to be the best in her class.
- He strove for perfection in everything he did.
- They strove against all odds to reach their goal.
to try hard
to try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a long time or against difficulties
Synonyms
endeavor, push oneself, struggle, work hard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strive |
Used when making a great effort to achieve or obtain something, often implying a long-term goal or ambition.
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| endeavor |
Used in more formal contexts, often to describe a serious and sincere effort to achieve something.
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| struggle |
Used when facing significant difficulty or hardship while trying to achieve something, often carries a slightly negative connotation.
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| work hard |
A general term used to describe putting in a lot of effort and diligence into a task or job.
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| push oneself |
Used to describe the act of challenging oneself to go beyond their usual limits, often in terms of personal development or physical activity.
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Examples of usage
- She strove to overcome her fear of public speaking.
- He strove to improve his skills through practice.
- They strove to maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges.
effort towards a goal
great efforts to achieve something, especially when the achievement is difficult or takes a long time
Synonyms
attempt, effort, endeavor, struggle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strive |
Use it when speaking about making a strong, determined effort towards a challenging goal. It carries a positive connotation of perseverance and hard work.
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| effort |
Effort refers to the amount of energy or work put into an activity or task, often without implying success or failure. It highlights the action rather than the result.
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| attempt |
This word is suitable for situations where someone is trying to do something, regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe an initial or possibly unsuccessful effort.
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| endeavor |
This word is used in more formal contexts to describe a serious attempt or important activity over a period. It often implies dedication and purpose.
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| struggle |
Struggle is used when describing a difficult or prolonged effort against challenges or obstacles. It often has a negative connotation, indicating hardship or difficulty.
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Examples of usage
- His strive for success led him to work tirelessly.
- The team's strive for victory motivated them to train harder.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters who strive often overcome significant hurdles, showcasing resilience.
- Shakespeare used themes of striving in plays like 'Hamlet', where characters grapple with deep internal conflicts.
- Striving for excellence in literature is often linked to moral lessons about ambition and the consequences of one's actions.
Psychology
- Research suggests that setting ambitious goals and striving toward them can significantly improve overall mental health.
- The concept of 'growth mindset' is about striving for improvement, believing that effort can lead to success.
- Striving can relate to intrinsic motivation, where the act itself is rewarding, rather than just focusing on the outcome.
Culture
- In many cultures, the idea of striving has been celebrated as a virtue, often linked to success and happiness.
- Eastern philosophies emphasize the balance between striving and acceptance of one's current state.
- In modern society, striving is often portrayed in motivational speeches and self-help literature, inspiring people to pursue their dreams.
Sports
- Athletes are often seen as examples of striving, pushing their limits to achieve peak performance.
- The phrase 'strive for greatness' is common in sports, encouraging players to dedicate themselves fully to their craft.
- Striving in sports teaches teamwork, discipline, and the importance of practice in achieving goals.
Origin of 'strive'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'estriver,' meaning 'to struggle or contend.'
- Its roots can also be traced back to the Latin word 'extravere,' meaning 'to go beyond or break out.'
- Initially used in English in the 14th century, it reflected effort and emphasis on hard work.
The word 'strive' originated from the Old French word 'estrif', meaning 'competition or battle'. Over time, it evolved to 'striven' in Middle English, reflecting the idea of making great efforts or struggling. The concept of striving has been a common theme in human history, with individuals and societies striving for progress, success, and improvement.