strive
B2Formal, literary, motivational, professional.
Definition
Meaning
To make a great and continuous effort to achieve something difficult or to overcome a challenge.
To struggle or contend vigorously; to try extremely hard in the face of difficulty or opposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies sustained, energetic effort toward a high standard or distant goal. Often carries a moral or idealistic connotation. Less common in casual conversation than 'try hard'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or frequency. Slightly more common in formal British writing (e.g., 'strive towards') vs. American 'strive for/strive to'.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes nobility, perseverance, and high aspiration.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both; more common in written texts, speeches, and formal contexts than in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
strive to INFINITIVE (strive to improve)strive for NOUN (strive for equality)strive against NOUN (strive against injustice)strive towards NOUN (strive towards a solution)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Strive and thrive”
- “To strive with someone (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in mission statements and performance reviews: 'We strive to deliver exceptional customer service.'
Academic
Common in discussions of ethics, goals, and effort: 'The study examines how communities strive for sustainability.'
Everyday
Less common; replaced by 'try really hard'. Used in motivational contexts: 'I'm striving to get fit this year.'
Technical
Rare in pure technical fields; appears in project management or quality assurance contexts regarding goals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We must strive to reduce our carbon footprint for future generations.
- The team continues to strive towards greater inclusivity in its hiring practices.
American English
- She strives for excellence in everything she does.
- The company strives to innovate while maintaining its core values.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- All good parents strive to give their children the best opportunities.
- Athletes must strive to improve their performance every day.
- The organisation strives to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.
- Throughout his career, he strove to maintain the highest ethical standards.
- The treaty represents a commitment by all signatory nations to strive ceaselessly for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
- Her work strives to deconstruct the traditional narratives surrounding historical events.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STRIVE' as a 'STRONG DRIVE' – you need a strong drive to strive for something.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A JOURNEY (strive towards a goal), EFFORT IS A FIGHT (strive against adversity), ACHIEVING A GOAL IS REACHING A DESTINATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with 'стрелять' (to shoot). Correct Russian equivalents are 'стремиться', 'прилагать усилия', 'бороться'.
- Avoid using 'стараться' for minor, everyday efforts; 'strive' is for significant, sustained challenges.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for simple, one-off attempts ('I'll strive to open the jar').
- Incorrect preposition: 'strive for reaching a goal' (should be 'strive to reach' or 'strive for a goal').
- Using it in a negative context sounds odd: 'He strives to be lazy.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'strive' MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is irregular: strive - strove (or strived) - striven (or strived). 'Strove/striven' are more common in UK English; 'strived' is more accepted in US English for the past tense and participle.
Rarely. Its inherent meaning is positive, involving effort toward a valued goal. It sounds odd for negative aims (e.g., 'strive to fail').
'Strive' implies much greater, sustained, and determined effort, often against difficulty. 'Try' is neutral and general. You 'try' to open a door; you 'strive' to become an Olympic champion.
No, it's more characteristic of formal, written, or motivational language. In everyday speech, people say 'try really hard', 'work hard', or 'do their best'.