endeavour

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative spellings 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Pronunciation 1.4 Noun 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 Verb 1.5.1 Synonyms 1.5.2 Translations

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Alternative spellings

• endeavor (US)

[edit] Etymology

Recorded since 1417, literally "in duty", from endeveren, to make an effort, from (putten) in dever, (to put oneself) in duty: 'put (oneself) in dever', i.e. "make it one's duty", a partial translation of Old French mettre en deveir "put in duty", itself from dever "duty" (from Latin debere "to owe, must") Middle English endevour, in + dever 'duty' (from Old French deveir, devoir 'duty')

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ɪnˈde.və(r)/, SAMPA: /In"dE.v@/
• (US) IPA: /ɛnˈdɛvɝ/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

endeavour (plural endeavours)

1. A sincere attempt. A determined or assiduous effort towards a specific goal.
2. Enterprise; assiduous or persistent activity.
   • 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 9.

     The like has been the endeavour of critics, logicians, and even politicians :

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to endeavour (third-person singular simple present endeavours, present participle endeavouring, simple past and past participle endeavoured)

1. (transitive) To attempt through application of effort.
2. (intransitive) To work with purpose.
   • 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 2.

     The other species of philosophers consider man in the light of a reasonable rather than an active being, and endeavour to form his understanding more than cultivate his manners.

[edit] Synonyms

• strive

[edit] Translations