Are you striving or thriving? It’s a question that many of us ask ourselves as we navigate through life. While the two words may seem similar, they have distinct differences that can impact our overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of strive and thrive, and why it’s important to understand the difference between the two.
It’s important to note that both strive and thrive are proper words that can be used in different contexts. However, when it comes to personal growth and success, thriving is the preferred outcome. Strive means to make a great effort to achieve something, while thrive means to grow vigorously and prosper. The key difference is that striving is focused on the effort, while thriving is focused on the outcome.
So why is it important to understand the difference between the two? When we strive, we are often pushing ourselves to the limit and may experience burnout or exhaustion. On the other hand, when we thrive, we are growing and flourishing, which leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. By shifting our focus from striving to thriving, we can achieve more sustainable success and live a more fulfilling life.
Define Strive
Strive is a verb that means to make great efforts to achieve something or to struggle or fight vigorously. It entails putting in a lot of energy and effort to attain a particular goal. The word is often associated with the idea of working hard to overcome obstacles and challenges that may arise in the pursuit of success. People who strive are often seen as determined, persistent, and hardworking individuals who are willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve their objectives.
Define Thrive
Thrive is a verb that means to grow or develop vigorously, to flourish, or to prosper. It is often associated with the idea of achieving success, happiness, and fulfillment in life. Thriving individuals are often seen as those who have achieved a high level of success, and who are living a life of purpose and meaning. They are often characterized by their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to overcome challenges, and to maintain a positive outlook on life.
Below is a table that highlights the differences between striving and thriving:
| Strive | Thrive |
|---|---|
| Focus on achieving goals | Focus on personal growth and development |
| May involve stress and burnout | May involve a sense of fulfillment and happiness |
| May involve sacrificing other areas of life | May involve a balance of different aspects of life |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using words correctly is essential in effective communication. The words “strive” and “thrive” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. To avoid confusion, it is important to know how to use them correctly.
How To Use “Strive” In A Sentence
The word “strive” means to make a great effort to achieve something. It is often used in the context of working hard towards a goal or objective. Here are some examples of how to use “strive” in a sentence:
- She always strives to do her best in everything she does.
- He is striving to become a better athlete by practicing every day.
- The company is striving to improve customer satisfaction by offering better products and services.
As you can see, “strive” is often used to describe an ongoing effort to achieve a particular goal. It is a verb that describes action and effort.
How To Use “Thrive” In A Sentence
The word “thrive” means to grow or develop well, to prosper, or to flourish. It is often used in the context of something that is doing well or thriving. Here are some examples of how to use “thrive” in a sentence:
- The plants in the garden are thriving thanks to the nutrient-rich soil.
- The business is thriving due to its innovative products and excellent customer service.
- She seems to thrive in high-pressure situations and always performs well under stress.
As you can see, “thrive” is often used to describe something that is doing well or growing. It is a verb that describes a state of being rather than an ongoing effort.
More Examples Of Strive & Thrive Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between striving and thriving, it is important to examine how these words are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Strive In A Sentence
- She was determined to strive for excellence in all aspects of her life.
- He had to strive to overcome his fear of public speaking.
- They were willing to strive for success no matter what the cost.
- The team continued to strive for victory even when the odds were against them.
- She knew she had to strive harder if she wanted to achieve her dreams.
- He was constantly striving to improve his skills and knowledge.
- The company had to strive to stay ahead of the competition in order to succeed.
- She had to strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- He was willing to strive for greatness even if it meant taking risks.
- They had to strive to overcome the challenges that came their way.
Examples Of Using Thrive In A Sentence
- The business was thriving thanks to its innovative products and services.
- The plant thrived in the warm, humid climate of the rainforest.
- The city’s economy was thriving due to its booming tourism industry.
- She was thriving in her new job, thanks to the supportive work environment.
- The community was thriving thanks to the efforts of its dedicated volunteers.
- The company was able to thrive despite the challenging economic conditions.
- He was thriving in his personal life thanks to his strong relationships with family and friends.
- The organization was thriving thanks to its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- The team was thriving thanks to its talented and dedicated members.
- She was able to thrive in the face of adversity thanks to her resilience and determination.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words ‘strive’ and ‘thrive,’ people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have significantly different meanings and implications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Mistake 1: Using ‘Strive’ When You Mean ‘Thrive’
One of the most common mistakes is using ‘strive’ when you mean ‘thrive.’ ‘Strive’ means to make an effort to achieve something, usually with difficulty. On the other hand, ‘thrive’ means to grow or develop well, to be successful or to prosper. For example, you might say that you are striving to improve your business, but if it is doing well, you can say that it is thriving.
Using ‘strive’ instead of ‘thrive’ can make your writing sound less confident and positive. It can also give the impression that you are struggling to achieve something, rather than succeeding at it.
Mistake 2: Using ‘Thrive’ When You Mean ‘Strive’
Another common mistake is using ‘thrive’ when you mean ‘strive.’ While ‘thrive’ implies success and growth, ‘strive’ implies effort and struggle. For example, you might say that you are striving to improve your health, but if you are already healthy, you can say that you are maintaining your health or thriving in your health.
Using ‘thrive’ instead of ‘strive’ can make your writing sound less active and dynamic. It can also give the impression that you are not putting in enough effort to achieve your goals.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is essential to understand the meanings of both words. Here are some tips to help you use ‘strive’ and ‘thrive’ correctly:
- Look up the definitions of these words in a dictionary and make sure you understand their meanings.
- Consider the context in which you are using these words. Are you talking about making an effort to achieve something, or are you describing growth and success?
- Choose the word that best fits the meaning you want to convey.
- Proofread your writing carefully to make sure you have used the correct word.
By avoiding these common mistakes and using ‘strive’ and ‘thrive’ correctly, you can make your writing more effective and convey your ideas more clearly.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “strive” and “thrive,” context plays a crucial role. While both words are related to achieving success and growth, they differ in their connotations and usage. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help you choose the right word for the message you want to convey.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between “strive” and “thrive” might change:
1. Personal Development
In the context of personal development, “strive” is often used to describe the process of working hard towards a goal. For example:
- “I am striving to become a better version of myself every day.”
- “She is striving to achieve her fitness goals by working out regularly.”
On the other hand, “thrive” is often used to describe the state of flourishing or prospering. For example:
- “I am thriving in my new job.”
- “She is thriving in her new relationship.”
2. Business and Marketing
In the context of business and marketing, “strive” is often used to describe the effort put into achieving success. For example:
- “Our company strives to provide the best customer service.”
- “We strive to meet our sales targets every quarter.”
On the other hand, “thrive” is often used to describe the state of success or growth. For example:
- “Our business is thriving in the current market.”
- “The new marketing strategy helped our sales thrive.”
3. Environmental and Ecological Contexts
In the context of environmental and ecological issues, “strive” is often used to describe the effort put into improving the situation. For example:
- “We need to strive to reduce our carbon footprint.”
- “The government is striving to protect endangered species.”
On the other hand, “thrive” is often used to describe the state of a healthy and sustainable environment. For example:
- “The ecosystem is thriving after the restoration project.”
- “The coral reefs are thriving in the protected marine reserve.”
As you can see, the choice between “strive” and “thrive” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right word to effectively communicate your message.
Exceptions To The Rules
While strive and thrive generally have distinct meanings and usage, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words used. In some cases, these expressions might use either strive or thrive, regardless of their typical usage.
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage of Strive/Thrive |
|---|---|---|
| Strive for the best | To work hard to achieve the highest standards | Strive |
| Thrive on challenges | To enjoy and excel in difficult situations | Thrive |
| Thrive in chaos | To do well in disorderly or unpredictable situations | Thrive |
| Strive for perfection | To work hard to achieve flawlessness | Strive |
2. Contextual Usage
The context in which strive or thrive is used can sometimes dictate which word is appropriate, regardless of their typical meanings.
- For example, in a business context, strive might be used to indicate a company’s efforts to improve its operations, while thrive might be used to describe a company’s financial success.
- In a personal context, strive might be used to describe someone’s efforts to overcome adversity, while thrive might be used to describe someone’s overall well-being and happiness.
3. Regional Variations
There may be regional variations in the usage of strive and thrive, particularly in different English-speaking countries.
- In British English, strive is often used in place of thrive, particularly in the sense of “to prosper”.
- In American English, thrive is often used more broadly than in British English, and might be used in contexts where strive would be more appropriate.
It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not common and should not be relied upon in most situations.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of strive and thrive is to practice using them in sentences. Here are a few exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
Read each sentence below and choose the correct word to fill in the blank.
| Sentence | Word Choices | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The company is __________ to increase profits this quarter. | striving, thriving | striving |
| 2. Despite the difficult circumstances, she managed to __________. | strive, thrive | thrive |
| 3. He always __________ to be the best at everything he does. | thrives, strives | strives |
| 4. The community center is a place where people can __________. | strive, thrive | thrive |
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Complete each sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct form of strive or thrive.
- She has always __________ to be the best.
- The company is __________ to increase sales.
- Despite the challenges, the business continues to __________.
- The community garden is a place where plants and people can __________.
Answers:
- striven
- striving
- thrive
- thrive
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of strive and thrive in sentences. Keep in mind that striving refers to making an effort or working hard towards a goal, while thriving refers to flourishing or prospering. With enough practice, you can confidently use these words in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between strive and thrive is subtle yet significant. While strive implies effort and struggle towards a goal, thrive suggests growth and success beyond the goal. Understanding the nuances of these words can help writers and speakers convey their intended meaning accurately.
Key takeaways from this article include:
- Strive and thrive are not interchangeable words.
- Strive implies effort and struggle towards a goal.
- Thrive suggests growth and success beyond the goal.
- It is important to use these words correctly to convey the intended meaning accurately.
As with any aspect of language use, it is important to continue learning and expanding one’s knowledge. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. Keep exploring the intricacies of grammar and language use to become a more proficient writer and speaker.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.