strive

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To try very hard over time to achieve something.

   She strives to do her best in everything she takes on.

2. 2
   verb

   To struggle or fight against something.

   For years they strove against poverty and hardship.

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.

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