Effort
ˈef.ərt
Definitions
2 meaningsA conscious exertion of physical or mental energy.
ˈef.ərt
A vigorous or determined attempt.
She put a lot of effort into learning to play the piano.
💡 Simply: Effort is like when you try really hard to do something, like building a tall tower of blocks or solving a tricky puzzle. You put in effort to make it happen! Like, "It took lots of effort to reach the top of the slide!"
👶 For kids: Trying really hard to do something.
More Examples
The team's effort was commendable, even though they didn't win.
A combined effort from everyone involved ensured the project's success.
How It's Used
"It took a lot of effort to finish the project on time."
"The runner put in a tremendous effort during the final sprint."
The outcome or consequence of an attempt; the product of expended energy.
ˈef.ərt
The result of an attempt.
The team's collaborative efforts paid off with a successful product launch.
💡 Simply: When you make an effort, you're hoping for a certain outcome, like when you try to bake a cake. The effort is all the steps you took and the resulting cake is the result!
👶 For kids: The thing you made happen by trying hard.
More Examples
Our conservation efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in the local ecosystem.
His efforts to help the community have been widely appreciated.
How It's Used
"The company's marketing efforts led to increased sales."
"Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the conflict."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make an effort
To try to do something, to exert oneself.
"If you make an effort, you'll probably succeed."
put in effort
To invest time, energy, or resources into something.
"He put in a lot of effort to get the job done."
From Old French *effort*, from *esforz* (force, effort), from Vulgar Latin *exfortiare* (to strengthen, force).
The word 'effort' has been used since the 13th century, initially in the sense of 'force' or 'violence', before evolving to its modern meaning of exertion.
Memory tip
Think of the 'e' in effort as 'energy' – you put in energy to achieve something.
Word Origin
"force, exertion"