Strive Meaning
/ˈstɹaɪv/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
verbTo struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
Sentence Examples
They strive constantly to improve customer relations.
They had to strive against natural calamities for ages.
We encourage all members to strive for the highest standards.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The determined student continued to ____ for top grades despite the challenges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is important to always ____ for excellence in everything you do, whether it is school or sports.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Though the writer has striven to dwell on aspects that have passed, or are passing away, it will be apparent that many features of Midland practice have been adopted as standard for the L.M.S.R. and other railways."
— 1946 May and June, J. Alan Rannie, “The Midland of 35 Years Ago”, in Railway Magazine, page 200:
"Moreover, on several occasions, terminus stations such as Nine Elms, Bishop's Bridge, Maiden Lane and Bishopgate were built rather further away from the centre of London, only to be dispensed with as the various railway companies strove to get as near as possible to the lucrative markets of the City and the West End."
— 2021 January 13, Christian Wolmar, “Read all about London's Cathedrals of Steam”, in RAIL, number 922, page 62:
"Now private pity strove with public hate, / Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate."
— 1668, John Denham, “On the Earl of Strafford’s Tryal and Death”, in Poems and Translations, with The Sophy, London: […] [John Macock] for H[enry] Herringman […], →OCLC:
"We have met this new thing that has come upon the earth and have striven against its armies, but could not drive them forth; and the new thing is beautiful but very angry, and is creeping towards the gods."
— 1906, Lord Dunsany [i.e., Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany], Time and the Gods, London: William Heineman, →OCLC, page 7:
"[Not] that sweet grove
Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired
Castalian spring, might with this paradise
Of Eden strive."
— 1667, John Milton, “Book IV”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The determined student continued to ____ for top grades despite the challenges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is important to always ____ for excellence in everything you do, whether it is school or sports.