English Explanatory Dictionary

endeavor

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A sincere attempt; a determined or assiduous effort towards a specific goal; assiduous or persistent activity.
verb
  1. To exert oneself.
  2. To attempt through application of effort (to do something); to try strenuously.
  3. To attempt (something).
  4. To work with purpose.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdɛv.ə/ /ɛnˈdɛv.ɚ/ /ɪnˈdɛv.ɚ/ en-us-endeavor.ogg

Word forms

endeavor endeavors endeavour endeavoring endeavored

Etymology

The verb is from Middle English endeveren (“to make an effort”); the noun is from Middle English endevour, from the verb. Endeveren is from (putten) in dever (“(to put oneself) in duty”), from in + dever (“duty”), partially translating Middle French (se mettre) en devoir (de faire) (“(to make it) one's duty (to do), to endeavour (to do)”) (from Old French devoir, deveir (“duty”)).

Synonyms

pursuit undertaking activity doings endeavor enterprise pursuance venture strive

Derived words

Endeavour Crater future endeavor endeavorer endeavorment
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