Strife vs. Strive — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Strife" refers to conflict or struggle between opposing forces or parties, often marked by discord and tension; "strive" is a verb meaning to make great efforts towards achieving something, highlighting determination and persistence.
Difference Between Strife and Strive
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Key Differences
"Strife" denotes situations or conditions of conflict, often involving aggressive interactions or antagonism between groups or individuals. Whereas "strive" implies a purposeful effort or endeavor aimed at achieving specific goals or overcoming challenges, focusing on the process and ambition involved.
Strife is typically associated with negative outcomes such as disputes, wars, or social unrest, reflecting a breakdown in communication or cooperation. On the other hand, strive suggests positive action towards improvement or success, such as striving to better oneself or achieve professional goals.
In the context of relationships, strife might arise from misunderstandings, competing interests, or deep-seated disagreements, threatening the stability and harmony of the relationship. Conversely, to strive within a relationship might involve working diligently to build trust, resolve conflicts, or enhance mutual understanding.
Strife often results in emotional distress or turmoil, affecting all parties involved and potentially leading to lasting damage or resentment. In contrast, the act of striving, even if it involves challenges, generally leads to growth, learning, and eventual achievement.
Culturally, strife can be seen in historical or ongoing conflicts within or between societies, reflecting deeper socio-political or economic tensions. Strive, however, is often celebrated as a virtue in many cultures, embodying the ideals of perseverance and dedication toward personal and communal goals.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Conflict or discord among parties
Make great efforts towards a goal
Connotation
Negative, destructive
Positive, constructive
Typical Contexts
Disputes, wars, social unrest
Personal goals, overcoming challenges
Emotional Impact
Distress, turmoil
Growth, achievement
Cultural Perception
Often viewed negatively
Celebrated as a virtue
Compare with Definitions
Strife
An instance of fighting or quarreling.
He wanted no part in the strife at the meeting.
Strive
To aim or seek ambitiously.
He strives to be the first in his family to graduate from college.
Strife
Active conflict or discord.
The long-standing strife between the two nations finally ended with a peace treaty.
Strive
To exert oneself vigorously to achieve something.
She continues to strive for excellence in her field.
Strife
A state of antagonism or contention.
Strife within the team hindered their project's progress.
Strive
To struggle or fight vigorously.
They strived against all odds to save the company.
Strife
Emotional or social turmoil caused by conflict.
Family strife disrupted their holiday gatherings.
Strive
To compete or contend.
In the championship, he strived to outperform the competition.
Strife
Competition or struggle for power.
Political strife dominated the country's elections.
Strive
To make earnest efforts towards a goal.
He is striving to improve his skills every day.
Strife
Heated, often violent conflict or disagreement.
Strive
Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something
National movements were striving for independence
We must strive to secure steady growth
Strife
A conflict or quarrel
"His mind seemed older than theirs.
Strive
To exert much effort or energy; endeavor.
Strife
Contention or competition between rivals.
Strive
To struggle or fight forcefully; contend
Strive against injustice.
Strife
Striving; earnest endeavor; hard work.
Strive
To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
He strove to excel.
We strive for the truth.
Strife
Exertion or contention for superiority, either by physical or intellectual means.
Strive
To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
To strive against fate
Strife
Bitter conflict, sometimes violent.
Strive
To vie; to compete as a rival.
Strife
(colloquial) A trouble of any kind.
Strive
To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard.
Was for this his ambition stroveTo equal Cæsar first, and after, Jove?
Strife
(obsolete) That which is contended against; occasion of contest.
Strive
To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest; - followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth.
My Spirit shall not always strive with man.
Why dost thou strive against him?
Now private pity strove with public hate,Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.
Strife
The act of striving; earnest endeavor.
Strive
To vie; to compete; to be a rival.
[Not] that sweet groveOf Daphne, by Orontes and the inspiredCastalian spring, might with this paradiseOf Eden strive.
Strife
Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or physical efforts.
Doting about questions and strifes of words.
Thus gods contended - noble strife -Who most should ease the wants of life.
Strive
An effort; a striving.
Strife
Altercation; violent contention; fight; battle.
Twenty of them fought in this black strife.
These vows, thus granted, raised a strife aboveBetwixt the god of war and queen of love.
Strive
Strife; contention.
Strife
That which is contended against; occasion of contest.
Strive
Attempt by employing effort;
We endeavor to make our customers happy
Strife
Lack of agreement or harmony
Strive
To exert much effort or energy;
Straining our ears to hear
Strife
Bitter conflict; heated often violent dissension
Common Curiosities
How can one effectively strive in a competitive field?
Effective striving in a competitive field requires dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.
What is the root cause of strife?
Strife often stems from unresolved conflicts, competing interests, or deep-rooted disagreements.
Why is striving considered a virtue?
Striving is viewed as a virtue because it embodies the principles of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to achieving goals.
Can strife have any positive outcomes?
While generally negative, strife can sometimes lead to necessary change or reform if it highlights underlying issues that need addressing.
How does strife affect workplace dynamics?
Strife in the workplace can lead to reduced productivity, low morale, and high turnover.
What psychological effects does strife have on individuals?
Strife can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, affecting mental health.
What distinguishes striving from ordinary effort?
Striving is distinguished by its intensity and the ambitious nature of the goals pursued.
What can be done to support someone striving for improvement?
Supporting someone striving for improvement can involve offering encouragement, resources, and constructive feedback.
What are some strategies to overcome strife?
Overcoming strife typically involves mediation, open communication, and finding common ground.
How do historical examples of strife inform modern conflict resolution?
Historical examples of strife provide lessons on the consequences of unresolved conflicts and the importance of diplomatic and peaceful solutions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
