C1verb2K

Strive

UK /["/straɪv/","/straɪvz/","/strəʊv/","/straɪvd/","/ˈstrɪvn/","/ˈstraɪvɪŋ/"]/US /["/straɪv/","/straɪvz/","/strəʊv/","/straɪvd/","/ˈstrɪvn/","/ˈstraɪvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to try very hard to achieve something

In simple words: To work hard to achieve something.

Examples

  • We encourage all members to strive for the highest standards.
  • They were always striving towards perfection.
  • striving against corruption
  • Newspaper editors all strive to be first with a story.
  • She strove to find a solution that was acceptable to all.
  • They are desperately striving for some sort of dignity.
  • I am constantly striving after artistic beauty.
  • man striving against the elements
  • Experimenters continually strive to eliminate distorting factors.

Usage notes

Use 'strive' in contexts where you want to emphasize effort towards a goal. It's appropriate in both formal and informal situations but may sound overly dramatic for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

strive + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'strive' as 'strive high' - imagine reaching for a tall mountain.

Collocations

  • hard
  • mightily
  • desperately
  • after
  • against
  • for

Synonyms

  • struggle
  • try
  • endeavor
  • aspire
  • labor

Antonyms

  • relax
  • surrender
  • give up

Common mistakes

  • 'Strive' is often confused with 'strive for'; remember it needs 'to' before a verb.
  • Some learners use 'strived' as the past tense, but it's 'strove' or 'strived' depending on context.
  • Mixing up 'strive' with 'thrive' due to similar sounds.