Definition

The act of making a strong effort to achieve something or to improve oneself.

Example

Her striving for excellence in her studies paid off with high grades.

Conversation

I've been thinking a lot about my goals lately.

That's great! What are you striving for?

I really want to improve my fitness and learn a new skill.

Those sound like awesome goals to work towards!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make a great effort to achieve something or to try very hard to do something.

Example

She is striving to improve her skills in painting.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I’ve been striving to improve my cooking skills lately.

That’s awesome! What have you been trying to make?

I just made a homemade pasta dish yesterday.

Root Explanation

Striving → It is formed from "strive" (from Old French *estriver*, meaning to struggle or contend) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "striving" means the action of making great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word for struggle, 'estriver', to remember that 'striving' means putting in effort to achieve something.

Visually Confused Words