endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]

/ ɛnˈdɛv ər /

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See synonyms for: endeavor / endeavored / endeavoring / endeavors on Thesaurus.com

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also especially British, en·deav·our .

Origin of endeavor

First recorded in 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

synonym study for endeavor

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

OTHER WORDS FROM endeavor

en·deav·or·er; especially British, en·deav·our·er, nounpre·en·deav·or, noun

How to use endeavor in a sentence

This brings to my Memory (what I cannot help smiling at) the bountiful Banter, you at this time endeavoured to put upon me.
A Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. Pope|Colley Cibber
Joseph Guarnerius appears to have endeavoured to produce the grandest tone, combining majesty and refinement.
Violins and Violin Makers|Joseph Pearce
In the preceding chapter we have endeavoured to solve the question what are the qualities that constitute good tone.
Violins and Violin Makers|Joseph Pearce
We passed several large sting-rays asleep on the surface of the sea, which our people ineffectually endeavoured to harpoon.
Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia] [Volume 2 of 2]|Phillip Parker King

Hardly had he recovered his senses ere he endeavoured to throw himself in again, exclaiming that he had no wish to live.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer