endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]
/ ɛnˈdɛv ər /

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

SYNONYMS 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

Words nearby endeavor

endbrain, endcap, endear, endearing, endearment, endeavor, endeavour, endecott, endemic, endemic hematuria, endemic neuritis

Example sentences from the Web for endeavour

British Dictionary definitions for endeavour

endeavour

US endeavor

/ (ɪnˈdɛvə) /

verb

to try (to do something)

noun

an effort to do or attain something

Derived forms of endeavour

endeavourer or US endeavorer, noun

Word Origin for endeavour

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