Definition of: endeavor

(in·dev′ər) noun
An attempt or effort to do or attain something; earnest exertion for an end.
—v.t. To make an effort to do or effect; try: usually with an infinitive as object.
—v.i. To make an effort; strive: usually with at, after, or for. Also Brit. en·deav′our. [ME endeveren <EN¹ + DEVOIR. Cf. F se mettre en devoir make it one's duty, set about] Synonyms (noun): attempt, effort, essay, exertion, struggle, trial. Effort denotes the voluntary putting forth of power to attain or accomplish some specific thing; it reaches toward a definite end; exertion is a putting forth of power without special reference to an object. Every effort is an exertion, but not every exertion is an effort. Attempt is more experimental than effort, endeavor less strenuous but more continuous. An effort is a single act, an endeavor a continued series of acts. A struggle is a violent effort or strenuous exertion. An essay is an attempt, effort, or endeavor made as a test of the powers of the one who makes it. See AIM, ATTEMPT. Synonyms (verb): attempt, essay, strive, try, undertake. To attempt is to take action somewhat experimentally with the hope and purpose of accomplishing a certain result; to endeavor is to attempt strenuously and with firm and enduring purpose. To attempt expresses a single act; to endeavor, a continuous exertion; we say, I will endeavor (not I will attempt) while I live. To attempt is with the view of accomplishing; to essay with a view of testing our own powers. To undertake is to accept or take upon oneself as an obligation, as some business, labor, or trust; the word often implies complete assurance of success: as, I will undertake to produce the witness. To strive suggests little of the result, much of toil, strain, and contest, in seeking it; I will strive to fulfil your wishes, that is, I will spare no labor and exertion to do it. Try is the most comprehensive of these words. The original idea of testing or experimenting is not thought of when a man says “I will try.” To attempt suggests giving up, if the thing is not accomplished at a stroke; to try implies using other means and studying out other ways if not at first successful. Try is more earnest; endeavor is more mild and formal. Antonyms: abandon, dismiss, drop, neglect, omit, overlook.