strive

noun

1. Alternative form of strife.

verb

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. 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.

1. To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.

   “He strove to excel.”

   “We strive for the truth.”

2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.

   “to strive against fate”

   “Now private pity strove with public hate, / Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.”

3. To vie; to compete as a rival.

   “[Not] that sweet grove Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive.”