endeavor
UK[ɪnˈdɛvə]US[ɪnˈdɛvər]
v
To try hard to do or achieve something.
n
A serious and determined attempt to achieve something.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
deavor
en
deavor
Etymology
The word "endeavor" entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French phrase 'en deveir', literally meaning "to put oneself in duty" or "to make it one's duty." The French 'deveir' (to owe) itself descends from the Latin 'debere', a compound of 'de-' (away, completely) and 'habere' (to have), thus carrying the original sense of "to have from someone, to owe." Over time, the English meaning evolved from the sense of a binding duty or obligation to the more general modern sense of a strenuous, conscientious effort or attempt to fulfill a goal.
Analysis
Structure: en + deavor
- en (Latin via Old French): A prefix meaning "in, into, to make."
- deavor (Old French): From the verb 'deveir' (later 'devoir'), meaning "to owe, to have a duty."
Examples
She will endeavor to complete the project before the deadline.
His scientific endeavors led to a major breakthrough.
We must endeavor to treat everyone with respect.