To strive means to try very hard to achieve something or to make a great effort toward a goal. When you strive to improve your math skills, you push yourself, practice extra problems, and refuse to give up when things get difficult.

Striving involves determination and persistence. A gymnast strives to master a new routine by practicing the same movements hundreds of times. A student strives for good grades by studying thoroughly and asking questions when they're confused. Scientists strive to find cures for diseases by conducting years of careful research.

The word carries a sense of noble effort. When someone strives for something, they're working toward something worthwhile, something that requires their best effort. You might strive to be a good friend, strive to learn a musical instrument, or strive to understand a challenging book.

Striving is different from simply wanting something. Wanting is passive, but striving is active. You can want to be better at chess while doing nothing about it, but when you strive to improve, you're actually studying strategies, playing practice games, and analyzing your mistakes. The effort itself matters as much as the outcome.