Endeavour
WordNet
noun
(1) Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
"Made an effort to cover all the reading material"
"Wished him luck in his endeavor"
"She gave it a good try"
(2) A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
"He had doubts about the whole enterprise"
verb
(3) Attempt by employing effort
"We endeavor to make our customers happy"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Recorded since 1417, literally "in duty", from endeveren, to make an effort, from (putten) in dever, (to put oneself) in duty: 'put (oneself) in dever', i.e. "make it one's duty", a partial translation of mettre en deveir "put in duty", itself from dever "duty" (from debere "to owe, must") endevour, in + dever 'duty' (from deveir, devoir 'duty')
Noun
- A sincere attempt. A determined or assiduous effort towards a specific goal.
- Enterprise; assiduous or persistent activity.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 9.
- The like has been the endeavour of critics, logicians, and even politicians :
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 9.
Verb
- To attempt through application of effort.
- To work with purpose.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 2.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 2.