from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
straebe, Sw. str[aum]fva. Cf. {Strife}.]
1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with
earnestness; to labor hard.
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Was for this his ambition strove
To equal Caesar first, and after, Jove? --Cowley.
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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.
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My Spirit shall not always strive with man. --Gen.
vi. 3.
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Why dost thou strive against him? --Job xxxiii.
13.
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Now private pity strove with public hate,
Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate. --Denham.
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3. To vie; to compete; to be a rival. --Chaucer.
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[Not] that sweet grove
Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired
Castalian spring, might with this paradise
Of Eden strive. --Milton.
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Syn: To contend; vie; struggle; endeavor; aim.
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