Striving

Strive Strive, v. i. [imp. {Strove}; p. p. {Striven}(Rarely, {Strove}); p. pr. & vb. n. {Striving}.] [OF. estriver; of Teutonic origin, and akin to G. streben, D. streven, Dan. str[ae]be, Sw. str["a]fva. Cf. {Strife}.] 1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard. [1913 Webster]

Was for this his ambition strove To equal C[ae]sar first, and after, Jove? --Cowley. [1913 Webster]

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. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

My Spirit shall not always strive with man. --Gen. vi. 3. [1913 Webster]

Why dost thou strive against him? --Job xxxiii. 13. [1913 Webster]

Now private pity strove with public hate, Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate. --Denham. [1913 Webster]

3. To vie; to compete; to be a rival. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

[Not] that sweet grove Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To contend; vie; struggle; endeavor; aim. [1913 Webster]