Strive v. i. [imp. Strove p. p. Striven (Rarely, Strove); p. pr. & vb. n. Striving.]
1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard.
Was for this his ambition strove
To equal Caesar first, and after, Jove? --Cowley.
2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest; -- followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth.
My Spirit shall not always strive with man. --Gen. vi. 3.
Why dost thou strive against him? --Job xxxiii. 13.
Now private pity strove with public hate,
Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate. --Denham.
3. To vie; to compete; to be a rival.
[Not] that sweet grove
Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired
Castalian spring, might with this paradise
Of Eden strive. --Milton.
Syn: -- To contend; vie; struggle; endeavor; aim.
strive
v 1: attempt by employing effort; "we endeavor to make our
customers happy" [syn: endeavor, endeavour]
2: to exert much effort or energy; "straining our ears to hear"
[syn: reach, strain]
[also: strove, striven]