Effort
/ˈɛf.ət/noun
A vigorous or determined attempt to do something.
Did you know?Effort entered English through French from a Latin word built on ex + fortis, and its original sense was about exerting force rather than just trying mentally.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰerǵʰ-
“to be high, elevated, strong”
Latin
Latin
fortis
“strong, brave”
Late Latin
Latin
exfortiare
“to exert oneself, make a strong effort”
Old French
Old French
esfort
“effort, exertion”
Middle English
English
effort
“an exertion or attempt”
Modern English
English
effort
“a vigorous or determined attempt to do something”