endeavor

[en-dev-er]

verb (used without object)

to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive: We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.

verb (used with object)

to attempt; try: He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.

Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.

noun

a strenuous effort; attempt.

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 for endeavor

1, 2. See try. 4. See effort.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for endeavour

Contemporary Examples of endeavour

Why do you think the popularity of the Oxford trinity—Lewis, Morse, and now prequel Endeavour—continues to endure?
Meet ‘Inspector Lewis’: Kevin Whately on ‘Morse,’ John Thaw, and the End of the Series
Jace Lacob
June 14, 2013
He could not have foreseen the drama attending the twice-delayed launch of the shuttle Endeavour.
Endeavour Launch: NASA's Final Countdown
Peter J. Boyer
May 16, 2011
Apparently, agreement could not be reached, and NASA is now looking for a new launch date—likely, April 29—for the Endeavour.
NASA Endeavour Shuttle Launch Delayed
Peter J. Boyer
April 3, 2011
But this was compounded by the core characteristic of the Nazi endeavour: its ideology.
While the World Watched: The 1944 Warsaw Uprising
Ilana Bet-El
December 29, 2013

Historical Examples of endeavour

My conduct must then have a faulty appearance at least, and I will endeavour to rectify it.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
If I have not, when my mind is more at ease, I will endeavour to please you better.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
You may be sure, interrupted my uncle Harlowe, he will endeavour to see her there.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
I was for going to Wiscasset, like two prodigals, own our fault, and endeavour to amend.
Ned Myers
James Fenimore Cooper
This answer we must endeavour both to explain and to defend.
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
David Hume

British Dictionary definitions for endeavour

endeavour

US endeavor

verb

to try (to do something)

noun

an effort to do or attain something

Derived Formsendeavourer or US endeavorer, noun

Word Origin for endeavour

C14: endeveren, from en- 1 + -deveren from dever duty, from Old French deveir; see devoirs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for endeavour

chiefly British English spelling of endeavor (q.v.); for spelling, see -or. Related: Endeavoured; endeavoring; endeavours.

endeavor

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

endeavor

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.