strive

verb

1. To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.

   “He strove to excel.”

   “We strive for the truth.”

   “Though the writer has striven to dwell on aspects that have passed, or are passing away, it will be apparent that many features of Midland practice have been adopted as standard for the L.M.S.R. and other railways.”

   “Moreover, on several occasions, terminus stations such as Nine Elms, Bishop's Bridge, Maiden Lane and Bishopgate were built rather further away from the centre of London, only to be dispensed with as the various railway companies strove to get as near as possible to the lucrative markets of the City and the West End.”

2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.

   “to strive against fate”

   “Now private pity strove with public hate, / Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.”

   “We have met this new thing that has come upon the earth and have striven against its armies, but could not drive them forth; and the new thing is beautiful but very angry, and is creeping towards the gods.”

3. To vie; to compete as a rival.

   “[Not] that sweet grove Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive.”

noun

1. (alt-of, alternative, obsolete)Alternative form of strife.