strive

STRYV/ˈstɹaɪv/

4 meanings of strive

1
verbintransitive
To work very hard and keep trying to reach a goal.
Like climbing a steep hill, pushing yourself to reach the top.
Doctors strive to keep their patients healthy and safe.
She strives to do her best in every class.
Similarseek, pursue
Oppositecoast, slack
Note
2
verbintransitive
To fight or argue against someone or something.
Like two kids pulling a rope in opposite directions.
The two sides strive against each other in court.
They strove against the unfair law for many years.
Similarstruggle, fight, battle, contend, wrestle
Oppositeyield, submit, surrender
Note
3
verbintransitive
To compete with others to win or be the best.
Like racers all reaching for the same finish line.
Several students strive for the top scholarship each year.
The runners strove to finish first.
Similarcompete, vie, contend, battle, jockey
Oppositecooperate, collaborate
Note

Less common meaning

4
nounobsolete
Alternative form of strife. An old way of writing strife. Use strife in modern writing.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It came through Middle English and Old French from a Frankish word meaning to make an effort. It might instead come from an unrecorded Old English word.