Effort

[ef-ert] /ˈɛf ərt/

noun
1.
exertion of physical or mental power:
It will take great effort to achieve victory.
2.
an earnest or strenuous attempt:
an effort to keep to the schedule.
3.
something done by exertion or hard work:
I thought it would be easy, but it was an effort.
4.
an achievement, as in literature or art:
The painting is one of his finest efforts.
5.
the amount of exertion expended for a specified purpose:
the war effort.
6.
Chiefly British.

7.
Mechanics. the force or energy that is applied to a machine for the accomplishment of useful work.
/ˈɛfət/
noun
1.
physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualified: the rock was moved with effort
2.
a determined attempt: our effort to save him failed
3.
achievement; creation: a great literary effort
4.
(physics) an applied force acting against inertia
n.

late 15c., from Middle French effort, noun of action from Old French esforz “force, impetuosity, strength, power,” back-formation from esforcier “force out, exert oneself,” from Vulgar Latin *exfortiare “to show strength” (source of Italian sforza), from Latin ex- “out” (see ex-) + Latin fortis “strong” (see fort).

Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt. [Ortega y Gasset, 1949]

Related: Efforts.

effort
(ěf’ərt)

see: