ef|fort

ef|fort «EHF uhrt», noun.

1. the use of energy and strength to do something; trying hard: »

Climbing a steep hill takes effort. With much effort the little boy counted to 100.

2. a hard try; strong attempt: »

He did not win but at least he made the effort.

3. the result of effort; thing done with effort; achievement: »

Works of literature or art are literary or artistic efforts.

4. Mechanics. a force upon a body due to a definite cause, such as the force which is applied in a simple machine. In a crowbar or lever, the effort is at one end, the load is on the other, and the fulcrum is between them.

╂[< Middle French effort < Old French esfort < esforcier to force, exert < es- out (< Latin ex-) + forcier < force force]

Synonym Study 1 Effort, endeavor, application mean active use of physical or mental power to do something. Effort implies trying hard, but not necessarily long or effectively: »

I made an effort to finish my work today.

Endeavor, more formal, implies sincere and serious effort continued over some time: »

By constant endeavor, the minister built up a large congregation.

Application emphasizes continued effort and close attention to what one is doing: »

Strict application to his work has given success, though he has little talent.