strive - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
strive Word Meanings
- to make great efforts to achieve something
- to struggle or exert oneself vigorously
- to aim or aspire towards a goal
strive Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
strive Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/straɪv/
US
/straɪv/
strive Word Etymology
From Middle English 'striven', from Old French 'estriver', from Latin 'strive' meaning 'to strive or contend'. Imagine a person climbing a steep mountain, sweat dripping as they strive to reach the peak, reflecting their efforts in both struggle and success.
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
I move my shoulders, steady my breath, and lean toward the task. I set my gaze on the goal, I pull the focus tighter, and I push through fatigue. Each small shift of effort makes the work feel a little closer, and I keep going. I let the effort grow into a rhythm I can rely on when the pace slows.
Real Context
Strive is a formal verb that means to make great efforts to achieve something, often despite difficulties. It implies sustained, purposeful exertion and a determined aiming toward a goal, rather than a casual attempt. You can strive for personal growth, academic success, or professional advancement, and the word carries a sense of perseverance, discipline, and aspiration. In everyday usage you might say a team strives to reach a higher standard, a student strives to improve, or an athlete strives to overcome an injury. The related noun is striving, and the expression 'strive for excellence' is common in motivational contexts.
Usage Reminders
- - Learn the core meaning: to strive means to make great effort toward a goal.
- - Use with to/for correctly: strive to do something vs strive for a goal.
- - Choose formal contexts or motivational tones.
- - Distinguish from 'try' (less intense) and 'endeavor' (similar but slightly more formal).
- - Watch subject-verb agreement: teams strive, a team strives.
Common Misconceptions
- Strive is used for all kinds of attempts, even minor ones.
- Strive and try are interchangeable in most sentences.
- Strive only applies to physical effort.
- Strive must always be followed by a noun, not an infinitive.
- Using 'strive' with passive constructions is natural in casual speech.
Thinking Differences
Strive is a formal, goal-oriented word. Learners often over-rely on it for every effort or misplace it with casual attempts. Focus on whether the action is sustained and purpose-driven; remember to pair with 'to' for actions and 'for' for goals.
Learning Tips
- Memorize collocations: strive to do something; strive for a goal.
- Compare with 'try' and 'endeavor' to choose the right intensity.
- Notice formal contexts like motivational talks or academic writing.
- Practice with both active subjects (they strive) and impersonal statements.
- Use common phrase 'strive for excellence' in writing.
- Watch nouns from the verb: striving as a noun.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'strive' correctly?
A.She gave up without even striving.
B.He strives to always do his best.
C.They never strive for excellence.
D.Striving means never accepting defeat.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'strive'?
A.Attempt
B.Relax
C.Neglect
D.Achieve
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'strive'?
A.Surrender
B.Thrive
C.Struggle
D.Endeavor
Step 5: Mastery
In what scenario would someone strive to achieve a goal?
A.When they lack motivation
B.When they are already successful
C.When they want to accomplish something challenging
D.When they have no interest in the goal
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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