strive

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.

   He strove to excel.

2. 2
   verb

   To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.

   to strive against fate

3. 3
   verb

   To vie; to compete as a rival.

   [Not] that sweet grove Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive.

4. 4
   verb

   to exert much effort or energy

5. 5
   verb

   attempt by employing effort

6. 6
   noun

   Alternative form of strife.

Etymology

From Middle English striven (“to strive”), from Old French estriver (“to compete, quarrel”), from Frankish *strīban (“to exert, make an effort”) from Proto-Germanic *strībaną, or from Frankish *stribēn (“to strive”) from Proto-Germanic *stribāną. As this verb is conjugated as if it were a strong verb (like drive, ride, and write), it is possible this word may instead be inherited from an unattested Old English *strīfan or *strifian, which would itself also be inherited from Proto-Germanic *strībaną.