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endeavor

[en-dev-er]
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verb (used without object)
  1. to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive: We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.
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verb (used with object)
  1. to attempt; try: He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.
  2. Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.
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noun
  1. a strenuous effort; attempt.
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Also especially British, en·deav·our.

Origin of endeavor

1350–1400; Middle English endeveren, from the phrase putten in devoir to make an effort, assume responsibility; compare Anglo-French se mettre en deveir. See en-1, devoir
Related formsen·deav·or·er; especially British, en·deav·our·er, nounpre·en·deav·or, noun

Synonyms

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1, 2. See try. 4. See effort.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

aspireundertakestriveessayscratchstrainhassledetermineapplyintendseektryhumplaborhustleassayriskofferpurposeaddress

Examples from the Web for endeavoring

Historical Examples

  • He was endeavoring to fix and hold those dark, furtive eyes.

    The Law-Breakers

    Ridgwell Cullum

  • Historians are endeavoring to ascertain whether he practiced what he preached.

  • "Ah—good-morning, Mr. Pulcifer," said Galusha, endeavoring to open the gate.

    Galusha the Magnificent

    Joseph C. Lincoln

  • And it was as though he were endeavoring to outstrip the feelings which pursued him.

  • He was endeavoring to sell a small share of his claim at a large price.

    The Golden Woman

    Ridgwell Cullum

Word Origin and History for endeavoring

endeavor

v.

c.1400; see endeavor (n.). Related: Endeavored; endeavoring.

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endeavor

n.

early 15c., "pains taken to attain an object," literally "in duty," from phrase put (oneself) in dever "make it one's duty" (a partial translation of Old French mettre en deveir "put in duty"), from Old French dever "duty," from Latin debere "to owe" (see debt). One's endeavors meaning one's "utmost effort" is from late 15c.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper