strive
//ˈstɹaɪv//
Forms
- present (v1)
- strive
- past (v2)
- strove
- past participle (v3)
- striven
- present participle
- striving
- 3rd person singular
- strives
Definitions
1.To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
- We strive for the truth.
- Though the writer has striven to dwell on aspects that have passed, or are passing away, it will be apparent that many features of Midland practice have been adopted as standard for the L.M.S.R. and other railways.
2.To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
- Now private pity strove with public hate, / Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.
- We have met this new thing that has come upon the earth and have striven against its armies, but could not drive them forth; and the new thing is beautiful but very angry, and is creeping towards the gods.
3.To vie; to compete as a rival.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4858
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
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.