What is strive? Pronunciation and usage in English

strive means . Learn how to pronounce and use strive through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of strive

striveverb

/straɪv//straɪv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "strive." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /straɪv/ (rhymes with "drive")

Let's break that down further:

  • "st" – Pronounced like "st" in "stop" – a short, quick sound.
  • "ri" – Pronounced like "ree" (as in "reed") – a clear, short "ee" sound.
  • "ve" – Pronounced like "v" followed by "f" – a quick "vuh" sound.

Here's how it sounds: (I highly recommend listening to this!)

  • Google it: Search for "how to pronounce strive" on Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/strive/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don’t say “strife”: This is a completely different word, meaning "disagreement."
  • Don't emphasize the "i": It's a short, quick sound.

Resources for Further Listening:

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker or learning?

Usage and examples with the word strive in English

Let's break down how to use the word "strive" in English. It’s a powerful word that often carries a sense of effort, determination, and a persistent pursuit of something.

1. Core Meaning:

  • To make great efforts to achieve something. This is the fundamental meaning. It implies working hard and persistently.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Primarily a verb. (It describes an action.)

3. Common Usages & Examples:

  • With Goals/Aspiration: This is the most frequent use.

    • "She strives to be a better doctor." (She works hard to improve her skills and patient care.)
    • "He strives for excellence in everything he does." (He puts a lot of effort into achieving high standards.)
    • "They strive to build a better future for their children." (They are working diligently towards that goal.)

  • Over Obstacles/Challenges: "Strive" often suggests overcoming difficulties.

    • "The climbers strive to reach the summit despite the harsh conditions." (They are fighting against the mountain’s challenges.)
    • "Researchers strive to find a cure for the disease.” (They’re persistently working to overcome this obstacle.)

  • In a Moral/Ethical Sense: It can refer to moral or ethical effort.

    • "He strives to live a virtuous life." (He makes a conscious effort to be a good and honest person.)
    • "The organization strives to uphold its values." (They are intentionally working to stay true to their principles.)

4. Synonyms:

Here are some words that have similar meanings to "strive," which can help you choose the best word for your context:

  • Aspire: To have a strong desire to achieve something.
  • Pursue: To follow or try to obtain something.
  • Work towards: To make an effort to achieve something.
  • Aim for: To intend to achieve something.
  • Labor: To work hard.
  • Endeavor: To make a serious effort.
  • Try: (More general, less intense than strive)

5. Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Intensity: "Strive" suggests a more significant and sustained effort than simply "try." It’s not just a casual attempt.
  • Persistence: It’s about the ongoing nature of the effort – a commitment to keep working even when things are difficult.
  • Often implies difficulty: The word is often used when there’s a degree of challenge involved.

6. Example Sentences (Variety):

  • "Students strive to maintain a high GPA."
  • “The company strives to provide excellent customer service.”
  • “Despite facing numerous setbacks, she strived to complete the marathon.”
  • "We strive for innovation and continuous improvement."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you writing about? (e.g., a personal story, a professional essay, a fictional narrative?)
  • What is the context where you want to use "strive"? (e.g., are you describing someone's ambitions, their struggles, or their values?)

Synonyms for the word strive

Practice with vocabulary strive

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Our research team will always ______ for groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.
  2. Despite numerous setbacks, the startup continued to ______ towards profitability within its first two years.
  3. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it's crucial to ______ and maintain focus on the long-term objective.
  4. Successful project outcomes often depend on how effectively team members ______ and share expertise across departments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Organizations often ______ to achieve excellence in customer service, viewing it as a key differentiator. a) avoid b) neglect c) strive d) disregard

  2. To remain competitive in the global market, companies must constantly ______ for innovation and efficiency. a) aim b) overlook c) strive d) endeavor e) desist

  3. Employees who consistently ______ to exceed expectations are often recognized for their dedication. a) falter b) struggle c) strive d) neglect e) work hard

  4. The primary ______ of our new policy is to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being. a) objective b) hindrance c) consequence d) distraction

  5. Project managers are expected to fully ______ themselves to the successful completion of assigned tasks. a) detach b) commit c) alienate d) disengage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company makes a continuous and determined effort to improve its environmental impact. Rewrite using "strive" or related word forms:

  2. Original: Developing advanced technical skills requires consistent and dedicated work. Rewrite using "strive" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The team's main goal is to complete the project ahead of schedule. Rewrite without using "strive" (use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Our research team will always strive for groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.
  2. Despite numerous setbacks, the startup continued to strive towards profitability within its first two years.
  3. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it's crucial to persevere and maintain focus on the long-term objective.
  4. Successful project outcomes often depend on how effectively team members collaborate and share expertise across departments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) strive
  2. a) aim, c) strive, d) endeavor
  3. c) strive, e) work hard
  4. a) objective
  5. b) commit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company strives continuously to improve its environmental impact.
  2. Developing advanced technical skills requires consistently striving for mastery.
  3. The team endeavors to complete the project ahead of schedule.

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