endeavour
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
deavour
en
deavour
Etymology
The word "endeavour" entered English in the late Middle English period from the Old French phrase 'en dever' or 'mettre en dever', meaning "to put in duty" or "to make it one's duty". The French 'dever' itself derives from the Latin 'debere', meaning "to owe", which is a compound of 'de-' (away, completely) and 'habere' (to have). Thus, the core logic of the word evolved from the concrete notion of being bound by duty or obligation (to have something owed) into the modern abstract sense of applying serious effort and conscientious striving towards a goal, as if compelled by a moral or personal duty.
Analysis
Structure: en + deavour
en (Latin via French): A prefix meaning "in, into, to make, cause to be".
deavour (Old French): From the verb 'dever', meaning "duty, obligation".
Examples
We must constantly endeavour to improve our service.
His scientific endeavours led to a major breakthrough.
She endeavoured to remain calm during the interview.