endeavor

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
  2. noun earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  3. verb attempt by employing effort

Etymology

The verb is from Middle English endeveren (“to make an effort”); the noun is from Middle English endevour, from the verb. Endeveren is from (putten) in dever (“(to put oneself) in duty”), from in + dever (“duty”), partially translating Middle French (se mettre) en devoir (de faire) (“(to make it) one's duty (to do), to endeavour (to do)”) (from Old French devoir, deveir (“duty”)).

In classic literature

Synonyms

enterprise, endeavour

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