endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]

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.

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

Also especially British, en·deav·our .

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, noun
pre·en·deav·or, noun

How to use endeavor in a sentence

It is the dramatic impulse of childhood endeavouring to bring life into the dulness of the serious hours.
Children's Ways | James Sully
That I am not endeavouring to recall Anne's claims on you in saying this, I am sure you are perfectly aware, knowing me as you do.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
Hartledon sent his thoughts back, endeavouring to recollect what could have given rise to this charge.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
He had some sinister motive in thus endeavouring to plant seeds of suspicion within her mind.
The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le Queux
A river such as the Mississippi is endlessly endeavouring to bear its burden to the sea.
Outlines of the Earth's History | Nathaniel Southgate Shaler

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