Strive

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈstɹaɪv/
• Rhymes: -aɪv

Origin

From Middle English striven ("to strive") from Old French estriver ("to compete, quarrel") from Old French estrif ("quarrel, dispute"), alteration (influenced by forms related to Frankish *strīban ("to strive"), compare Middle Dutch streven ("to strive"), German streben ("to strive")) of Old French estrit (""), from Frankish *strīd ("quarrel, dispute") from Proto-Germanic *strīdō ("combat, strife"). Akin to Old High German strīt ("quarrel") (German Streit ("")), Old High German strītan ("to fight"), Old Norse strīð ("strife, contention"). More at stride.

Full definition of strive

Verb

1. To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.He strove to excel.
2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.to strive against fateto strive for the truth
• DenhamNow private pity strove with public hate,
  Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.
3. To vie; to compete as a rival.
• MiltonNot that sweet grove
  Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired
  Castalian spring, might with this paradise
  Of Eden strive.

Usage notes

This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive. See

The strong or irregular forms "strove" and "striven" are more commonly used in print than "strived".

Related terms

• strife

Noun

1. (obsolete) An effort; a striving.
2. (obsolete) strife; contention

Anagrams

• rivets
• stiver