endeavour
|en-deav-our|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈdɛvər/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈdɛvə/
try hard / make an effort
Etymology
'endeavour' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'endeveren' (formed from the prefix 'en-' + Old French 'devoir'), where the prefix 'en-' meant 'make' or 'put into' and Old French 'devoir' (from Latin 'dēbēre') meant 'duty' or 'to owe'.
'endeavour' changed from Middle English 'endeveren' (influenced by Old French 'devoir' and Latin 'dēbēre') and over time the sense shifted from 'to make (one's) duty' to 'to attempt or exert oneself', eventually becoming the modern English 'endeavour'.
Initially, it meant 'to make duty' or 'perform what is owed'; over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'to try hard or make an earnest attempt'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a serious or determined attempt to achieve a goal; a sustained effort.
Her scientific endeavour lasted more than a decade.
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Noun 2
a project or activity that requires effort and planning (often formal or organized).
The charity's latest endeavour aims to improve local schools.
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Verb 1
to try hard to do or achieve something.
They will endeavour to finish the work by Friday.
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Last updated: 2026/01/01 10:59