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.
Was for this his ambition strove To equal C[ae]sar
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. --Chaucer.
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. --Chaucer.
[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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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