Comprehensive Article on the Word “Strive”
Strive – Definition and Part of Speech
Strive is a verb that means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, typically requiring determination and persistence. It emphasizes the exertion of effort toward an ambitious goal, often overcoming challenges along the way.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a table highlighting some primary synonyms for “strive,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and typical styles or registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Struggle | Conveys effort against difficulty or opposition | “She struggled to keep her grades up.” | Informal/Academic |
| Endeavor | Suggests a serious and persistent attempt | “He endeavored to complete the project before the deadline.” | Formal/Professional |
| Toil | Implies hard work, often with physical effort | “Farmers toiled from dawn till dusk in the fields.” | Casual/Romantic |
| Labor | Focuses on sustained effort, can be physical or mental | “The artist labored over his masterpiece for months.” | Formal/Neutral |
| Pursue | Emphasizes chasing an objective with determination | “She pursued her dreams despite numerous setbacks.” | Casual/Academic |
| Exert | Highlights the use of strength or energy to achieve a goal | “He exerted his full capacity in the race against time.” | Formal/Technical |
Usage Notes
Understanding when and how to use each synonym can enhance communication across various contexts:
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Struggle is often used when describing an effort against significant challenges. It fits well in narratives or discussions about personal growth.
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Endeavor implies a more formal attempt, suitable for business writing or academic contexts where seriousness and persistence are emphasized.
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Toil evokes images of hard work and is frequently used to describe labor-intensive activities, often in literary or descriptive writing.
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Labor is versatile, applicable in both physical and intellectual domains, making it useful in professional and formal writings about sustained effort.
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Pursue is ideal for expressing ongoing efforts towards a goal, especially when that goal involves chasing after dreams or ambitions. It’s common in motivational speeches or stories of personal achievement.
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Exert focuses on the application of physical or mental force, suitable for contexts requiring clarity on effort levels, such as scientific papers or technical manuals.
Common Pitfalls
Some typical misunderstandings involve:
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Confusing “struggle” with “strive.” While both involve effort, “struggle” often implies difficulty and potential failure, whereas “strive” suggests a positive and determined effort toward success.
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Using “exert” where “endeavor” might fit better. “Exert” typically relates to physical strength or energy, while “endeavor” is broader and can apply to various kinds of serious efforts.
Final Recap
In summary, the synonyms for “strive” include struggle, endeavor, toil, labor, pursue, and exert. Each carries a unique nuance that can enhance precision in communication:
- Struggle: Effort amidst difficulty.
- Endeavor: Serious, persistent attempt.
- Toil: Hard work, often physical.
- Labor: Sustained effort (physical or mental).
- Pursue: Determined chase of a goal.
- Exert: Application of strength/energy.
By practicing these words in varied contexts—through writing and conversation—you can refine your understanding and usage, enriching both spoken and written expression.