effort - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
effort Word Meanings
- a vigorous or determined attempt
- the exertion of physical or mental energy
- an effort is something you try hard to achieve.
effort Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
effort Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛfət/
US
/ˈɛfərt/
effort Word Etymology
effort = ex- (out) + fort (strength) from Latin. Historical origin: Latin 'effor' → Old French 'esforcier' → English. Memory image: Picture a person straining to lift a heavy weight, emphasizing their exertion and determination to succeed.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Start with a simple move: I tighten my grip and push the door open. With the door moving, I notice the effort building in my arms and breath, a signal to adjust. I keep the pace, holding steady, and feel how the control shifts as the room opens. That sense of effort shows up later in tasks—deciding what to push toward, what to let go, and how far I’ll go.
Real Context
Effort is a versatile noun that refers to the energy and determination you invest to reach a goal. It covers both the vigorous, physical exertion of lifting or moving something, and the mental push you supply when solving a tough problem or learning a new skill. An effort can be great or small, and we often pair it with adjectives like 'great', 'tremendous', or 'minimal' to show intensity. The phrase 'to make an effort' emphasizes the action of trying hard, while 'an effort' can stand alone as a description of what you attempted. Etymology traces effort to ex- (out) + fort (strength) from Latin. Imagine someone straining to lift a heavy weight; that image captures the core sense of exertion and resolve behind the word.
Usage Reminders
- Effort is countable or uncountable with care; you can say a great effort or little effort. It describes energy and determination, not just physical work. Use make an effort for the act of trying. Pair with adjectives to show intensity: considerable, tremendous, minimal. Exert effort vs. exertion are related but used in different contexts. Think of effort as the overall striving, not the moment of lifting a weight.
Common Misconceptions
- Effort is always physical energy; it also covers mental energy and determination.
- An effort must be a single, dramatic action rather than a series of attempts.
- To say 'I exert an effort' sounds more natural than 'I make an effort' in most contexts.
- Effort and results are the same thing; you can invest lots of effort and still fail.
- Plural 'efforts' is used only for multiple people asking for help, not for multiple attempts by one person.
Thinking Differences
In English, effort often centers on the idea of a deliberate attempt and the energy behind it, whereas some languages lean more on either physical strain or a general willingness to try. Learners may default to synonyms like 'work' or misunderstand 'effort' as something only dramatic or heroic, or misplace it with 'results' rather than the process of trying. Remember: effort describes the act and energy of trying, not just the outcome.
Learning Tips
- Learn collocations: make an effort, exert effort, exertion.
- Notice the adjectives that modify effort: great, tremendous, minimal.
- Practice ‘to make an effort’ in daily tasks and projects.
- Differentiate effort from energy or power in physics contexts.
- Use 'effort' with verbs like 'put in' or 'spare no effort'.
- Compare with related terms like attempt, endeavor, and work.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'effort' mean?
A.Happiness
B.Relaxation
C.Confusion
D.Determination
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'effort' used correctly?
A.She was happier when she made an effort.
B.He was really confused by her effort.
C.She put no effort into her work.
D.Relaxing took a lot of effort for him.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is the opposite of 'effort'?
A.Laziness
B.Excitement
C.Ease
D.Sadness
Step 4: Opposite Words
Can you think of a real-life situation where a lot of effort is required?
A.Cooking a complicated meal
B.Watching TV
C.Breathing
D.Sleeping
Step 5: Mastery
Explain a time when you had to put a lot of effort into something.
A.Struggling with a difficult project
B.Floating in a pool
C.Sunbathing at the beach
D.Reading a book
Related Listening
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