endeavour
B2formal, semi-formal
Definition
Meaning
a serious, determined effort to achieve something
A purposeful attempt or undertaking, often requiring sustained effort against difficulties; can refer to both the effort itself and the larger enterprise or mission.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries connotations of purposefulness, sustained effort, and sometimes a degree of difficulty or nobility. It is more abstract than 'try' and implies a more sustained or serious attempt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'endeavour' is standard in British English, while 'endeavor' is standard in American English. No significant difference in meaning or usage beyond spelling.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word has formal and slightly elevated connotations. In British English, it may be perceived as slightly more traditional or literary.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in formal writing, official documents, and speeches in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to endeavour to do somethingin an endeavour to do somethingmake an endeavourthrough one's endeavoursVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do one's utmost endeavour”
- “a fruitless endeavour”
- “in a common endeavour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in corporate communications to describe initiatives or projects, e.g., 'our sustainability endeavours'.
Academic
Common in humanities and social sciences to describe intellectual or research projects.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used for significant personal projects or efforts.
Technical
Not typically a technical term, but can appear in project documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We must endeavour to improve our service.
- She endeavoured to complete the marathon despite her injury.
- The team is endeavouring to find a solution.
American English
- We must endeavor to improve our service.
- She endeavored to complete the marathon despite her injury.
- The team is endeavoring to find a solution.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form derived from 'endeavour'.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form derived from 'endeavor'.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Endeavouring' is a present participle.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Endeavoring' is a present participle.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was a difficult endeavour, but they finished the project.
- He made every endeavour to arrive on time.
- The peace talks represent a major diplomatic endeavour.
- Scientists are engaged in a continual endeavour to understand the universe.
- Her artistic endeavours have finally received critical acclaim.
- The committee shall use its best endeavours to facilitate an agreement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ENDEAVOUR = END (goal) + EAVOUR (sounds like 'favour') → doing a favour for your own end/goal through serious effort.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A JOURNEY/QUEST (e.g., 'embark on an endeavour', 'the endeavour reached its conclusion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'предприятие' when it means a factory/plant; better as 'усилие', 'попытка', 'стремление'.
- Do not confuse with 'endeavor' as a simple 'try' ('пытаться'); it implies more seriousness and duration.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'try' in casual contexts (e.g., 'I'll endeavour to call you later' is too formal).
- Misspelling as 'endevaour' or 'endevour'.
- Using incorrect preposition (e.g., 'endeavour for doing' instead of 'endeavour to do').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'endeavour' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or semi-formal. In everyday speech, 'try', 'effort', or 'attempt' are more common.
'Endeavour' implies a more serious, sustained, and purposeful effort, often against difficulty. 'Attempt' is more neutral and can refer to any try, brief or long.
It is followed by an infinitive (to + verb): 'They will endeavour to meet the deadline.' It is not used with a gerund (e.g., 'endeavour doing' is incorrect).
It is a common phrase meaning all reasonable efforts must be made to achieve an obligation, though it does not guarantee success. It is a standard of effort, not a guarantee of result.