strives

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of strive.

   A good teacher strives to draw out potential rather than impose answers.

   The young company strives for a foothold in a crowded market.

   Note

   The everyday form, the one that agrees with he, she, it or a singular noun: a teacher strives, the company strives. It carries all three verb meanings: earnest effort, open contention and rivalry. The preposition usually tells them apart. Strives to or strives for points at a goal, while strives against or strives with points at an opponent. The same spelling also serves as the old noun plural, though context rarely leaves doubt.

2. 2
   nounobsolete

   Plural of strive. Obsolete.

   Note

   A relic noun: strive was once simply another spelling of strife, and that usage is now obsolete. Its plural therefore carries the sense of strifes, meaning conflicts and struggles, and it belongs to older or deliberately old-fashioned prose. A modern reader will hear strives as the verb first. Outside a period voice, strife or struggles says the same thing without the stumble.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2