verb

strive

STRYVE/straɪv/

To make a strong effort toward a goal.

The determined runner strives to reach the crest of the hill.

A determined Black distance runner pushes uphill toward a visible crest, exertion without injury.

Etymology

striveOld Frenchto quarrel, struggle, compete

The French verb described quarrelling, resisting, or putting up a fight. In English, that struggle also became earnest effort toward a goal, without requiring an opponent.

In context

Unsolicited advice6:40

something to strive towards this is partly what kamu meant when he wanted us to imagine sisifus happy we naturally take meaning from the process of overcoming obstacles conquering challenges and achieving a goal

Why You Can’t Trust Good People | Kafka's Metamorphosis

More examples

She strives for accuracy in every report.
They strove to finish the repairs before winter.
He has striven to rebuild trust with his neighbors.

Forms

strive · strives · strove · strived · striven · striving

Similar words

endeavor: More formal; emphasizes a serious attempt to accomplish something.
struggle: Emphasizes difficulty or resistance encountered while making an effort.
try: Does not necessarily imply strong or sustained effort.