Strives: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Strives – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “strives” is a verb that means making great efforts to achieve or obtain something, typically something worth having. It conveys a sense of determination and persistence in pursuing a goal.
Grammatical Forms:
- Strive (base form)
- Strived/Striven (past simple/past participle)
- Striving (present participle/gerund)
Core Synonyms
Here are some synonyms for “strives,” along with their nuances and example usages:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endeavors | Efforts focused on achieving a particular goal. | “She endeavors to finish her novel by summer.” | Formal, Academic |
| Pursues | Actively seeks or aims for something specific. | “He pursues his passion for music with dedication.” | Informal/Casual |
| Works hard at | Exerts considerable effort in an activity or task. | “The team works hard at developing a new product line.” | Business/Formal |
| Aspires to | Aims for something high, often implying ambition. | “She aspires to become the next CEO.” | Formal/Professional |
| Struggles with | Indicates ongoing effort despite difficulties. | “He struggles with balancing work and study.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Endeavors: Suitable for formal or academic contexts where emphasis is on effort or dedication toward a specific objective, such as in research papers or professional reports.
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Pursues: Often used in everyday language to denote the active chase of goals or interests. It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing.
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Works hard at: A common phrase in business settings when discussing productivity and effort directed towards tasks or projects, indicating a focused commitment.
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Aspires to: Typically used in professional environments or contexts involving personal ambitions, where there is an element of aiming high or setting lofty goals.
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Struggles with: Best used in informal contexts to describe difficulties faced while attempting something, conveying a sense of challenge and effort despite obstacles.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is confusing “strives” with “studies,” as they share a similar root. While both involve effort, “studies” specifically relates to learning or acquiring knowledge rather than pursuing goals more generally.
Another potential mix-up could be between “strives” and “aspires.” While both indicate a goal-directed effort, “striving” implies active endeavor, whereas “aspiring” often suggests intention or ambition without necessarily the immediate action.
Final Recap
In summary, while all these synonyms convey efforts towards goals, each carries its own nuance:
- Endeavors suggest formal dedication.
- Pursues and works hard at focus on active effort.
- Aspires to implies a higher ambition.
- Struggles with denotes effort in the face of difficulty.
To enhance your vocabulary, consider practicing these synonyms by creating sentences or using them in conversations. Understanding their nuances will help you select the most appropriate word for any given context.