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strive

 - 3 dictionary results

strive

  [strahyv] ,
Use strive in a Sentence
–verb (used without object), strove or strived, striv⋅en  [striv-uhn] or strived, striv⋅ing.
1. to exert oneself vigorously; try hard: He strove to make himself understood.
2. to make strenuous efforts toward any goal: to strive for success.
3. to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.
4. to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance: to strive against fate.
5. to rival; vie.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME striven < OF estriver to quarrel, compete, strive < Gmc; cf. obs. D strijven, G streben to strive

Related forms:
striver, noun
striv⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. See try. 2. toil. 3. struggle, fight.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To strive
strive   (strīv)   
intr.v.   strove (strōv), striv·en (strĭv'ən) or strived, striv·ing, strives

  1. To exert much effort or energy; endeavor.

  2. To struggle or fight forcefully; contend: strive against injustice.


[Middle English striven, from Old French estriver, from estrit, estrif, quarrel; see strife.]
striv'er n., striv'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

strive 
c.1205 (implied in striving), from O.Fr. estriver "to quarrel, dispute," from estrif, estrit "quarrel" (see strife). It became a strong verb (past tense strove) by rhyming association with drive, etc.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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