strive Meaning & Definition
What Does Strive Mean?
Strive is used as a verb meaning To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently. It is also used to mean To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest. As a noun, it means Alternative form of strife. As a noun, it means Striving; earnest endeavor; hard work.
Word Facts for Strive
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈstɹaɪv/ |
| Synonyms | endeavor, strain and reach |
| Plural | strives |
| Verb forms | strives, striving, strove, striven |
Strive Definition (Verb)
- To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
He strove to excel.
- To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
to strive against fate
- To vie; to compete as a rival.
Strive as a Noun
- Alternative form of strife.
Noun
- Striving; earnest endeavor; hard work.
- Exertion or contention for superiority, either by physical or intellectual means.
- Bitter conflict, sometimes violent.
- A trouble of any kind.
- That which is contended against; occasion of contest.
Synonyms of Strive
Strive in a Sentence
He strove to excel.
We strive for the truth.
to strive against fate
Word Forms & Grammar
strive (third-person singular simple present strives, present participle striving, simple past strove or strived, past participle striven or strived or (nonstandard, colloquial) strove)
strive (plural strives)
Words That Rhyme With Strive
Origin of Strive
Origin 1: 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.
Origin 2: As this verb is conjugated as if it were a strong verb (like drive, ride, and write), it is possible this word may instead be inherited from an unattested Old English *strīfan or *strifian, which would itself also be inherited from Proto-Germanic *strībaną.
Quick Answers About Strive
Is strive a verb or a noun?
Strive is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for strive?
Words with a similar meaning to strive include endeavor, strain and reach. See the full list of strive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of strive?
The plural of strive is strives.
What is the past tense of strive?
The past tense of strive is strove and the past participle is striven. The present participle is striving.