strive

[ strahyv ]

verb (used without object)

, strove [strohv] or strived, striv·en [striv, -, uh, n] 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.

   Synonyms: toil

3. to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.

   Synonyms: fight, struggle

4. to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance:

   to strive against fate.

5. to rival; vie.

strive

/ straɪv /

verb

1. may take a clause as object or an infinitive to make a great and tenacious effort

   to strive to get promotion

2. intr to fight; contend

Derived Forms

• ˈstriver, noun

Other Words From

• striv·er noun
• in·ter·strive verb (used without object) interstrove interstriven interstriving
• out·strive verb (used with object) outstrove outstriven outstriving
• o·ver·strive verb (used without object) overstrove overstriven overstriving
• re·strive verb (used without object) restrove restriven restriving

Word History and Origins

Origin of strive¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English striven from Old French estriver “to quarrel, compete, strive” from Germanic; compare obsolete Dutch strijven, German streben “to strive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of strive¹

C13: from Old French estriver, of Germanic origin; related to Middle High German streben to strive, Old Norse strītha to fight

Synonym Study

See try.

Example Sentences

This is partly because developed countries are hunting for ways to meet energy demand, while striving to meet emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.

From BBC

Unlike the traditional one-size-fits-all model, precision medicine strives to offer more effective health care solutions.

From Science Daily

But in a post on the social media platform X after the appointment announcement, the politician echoed Trump when he said at EPA he would strive for U.S. “energy dominance.”

From Science Magazine

Using his increasing clout to lift up artists striving to achieve their own creative dreams is far more satisfying.

From Los Angeles Times

“His hard work, dedication and resilience are qualities we strive to instill in our players every day,” Atkins said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aim
• endeavor
• go all out
• seek
• tackle