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Added 9 October 2026

strive

/ˈstɹaɪv/ verb

In Latin: mōlior, nītor, appeto Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about strive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.

noun

Alternative form of strife.

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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