Endeavour vs. Endeavor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Endeavour and endeavor mean the same: an attempt or effort to achieve something. The difference is in spelling: 'endeavour' is British, 'endeavor' is American.
Key Differences
Endeavour is the British English spelling of the word, while endeavor is the American English version. Both terms refer to an attempt or effort to do something, often something new or challenging. The spelling distinction aligns with other British-American English variations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
In literature and formal writing, endeavour is commonly used in British publications, aligning with other British spellings like 'colour' or 'favour'. On the other hand, endeavor is used in American publications, consistent with American spelling conventions like 'color' or 'favor'.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
The pronunciation of endeavour and endeavor is virtually identical, despite the spelling difference. This reflects the shared linguistic roots of British and American English, where many words have evolved different spellings but retain similar pronunciations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
When using either endeavour or endeavor in writing, the choice of spelling should reflect the intended audience or the established linguistic standards of the publication or region. For instance, an American newspaper would use endeavor, while a British journal would prefer endeavour.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
In historical contexts, endeavour might be found in older American texts, as American English spelling conventions have evolved over time. Contemporary American English, however, consistently uses endeavor, highlighting the dynamic nature of language and spelling norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Alignment with Other Words
Aligns with British spelling norms (e.g., 'colour')
Aligns with American spelling norms (e.g., 'color')
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Nov 21, 2023
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Endeavour and Endeavor Definitions
Endeavour
An enterprise or undertaking, especially a challenging one.
His latest endeavour was to climb the highest mountain.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavor
An effort or striving for success.
Her endeavor in science won her a prestigious award.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavour
A serious attempt or effort.
She made a significant endeavour to learn the new language.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavor
An undertaking or effort towards a specific end.
The endeavor to preserve the rainforest gained global support.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavour
The act of striving towards a goal.
The team's endeavour to win the championship was inspiring.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Endeavor
The act of trying hard to achieve something.
He continued his endeavor to improve his skills.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavour
An undertaking requiring concerted effort.
The community's endeavour to restore the old theater was successful.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavor
A conscientious or concerted effort toward an end; an earnest attempt.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavour
Effort or striving in the face of difficulty.
Despite setbacks, her endeavour to succeed never wavered.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavor
To attempt (fulfillment of a responsibility or an obligation, for example) by employment or expenditure of effort
Endeavored to improve the quality of life in the inner city.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
A sincere attempt; a determined or assiduous effort towards a specific goal; assiduous or persistent activity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavour
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
He had doubts about the whole enterprise
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavour
Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something;
Made an effort to cover all the reading material
Wished him luck in his endeavor
She gave it a good try
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
(intransitive) To attempt through application of effort (to do something); to try strenuously.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavour
Attempt by employing effort;
We endeavor to make our customers happy
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
To exert physical or intellectual strength for the attainment of; to use efforts to effect; to strive to achieve or reach; to try; to attempt.
It is our duty to endeavor the recovery of these beneficial subjects.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
To exert one's self; to work for a certain end.
And such were praised who but endeavored well.
He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
An exertion of physical or intellectual strength toward the attainment of an object; a systematic or continuous attempt; an effort; a trial.
To employ all my endeavor to obey you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
He had doubts about the whole enterprise
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something;
Made an effort to cover all the reading material
Wished him luck in his endeavor
She gave it a good try
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
Attempt by employing effort;
We endeavor to make our customers happy
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Oct 19, 2023
Endeavor
An attempt to achieve a goal.
His endeavor to become a chef led him to study abroad.
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Nov 21, 2023
Endeavor
A venture or project, often requiring effort.
The company's new endeavor was launching an eco-friendly product line.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Which spelling should I use in the UK?
Use 'endeavour' in British English contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Are endeavour and endeavor interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but depend on the variant of English being used.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is endeavour considered outdated in American English?
It's not outdated but is less common than 'endeavor'.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is endeavour ever used in American publications?
Rarely, as 'endeavor' is the standard American spelling.
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Nov 21, 2023
Do both terms have the same etymological origin?
Yes, they originate from the same root in Middle English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
In historical texts, which spelling is more common in the U.S.?
'Endeavour' might appear in older American texts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Can both terms be used as nouns and verbs?
Yes, both can be used as nouns and verbs in sentences.
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Nov 21, 2023
Are there any pronunciation differences?
No, both are pronounced the same way.
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Nov 21, 2023
Should I match the spelling to my audience?
Yes, choose the spelling based on your audience's preferred English variant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Is endeavor used in British English?
It's less common, as 'endeavour' is the preferred British spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Do Canadians use endeavour or endeavor?
Canadians typically use 'endeavour', following British spelling conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Are there synonyms common to both spellings?
Yes, synonyms like 'attempt', 'effort', and 'undertaking' apply to both.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Is the meaning of endeavour different from endeavor?
No, the meanings are the same; only the spellings differ.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Is it correct to use 'endeavor' in an English exam in the UK?
It's better to use 'endeavour' in the UK, including in exams.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
How do I know which spelling to teach in English classes?
Teach the spelling that aligns with the predominant English variant of your region.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Can endeavour/endeavor be used in formal writing?
Yes, in both British and American formal writing, respective spellings are acceptable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Are there any cases where one spelling is preferred over the other?
Yes, in region-specific publications or communications, the local spelling is preferred.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can spelling variants affect search engine optimization (SEO)?
Yes, using the variant that aligns with your audience can impact SEO effectiveness.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can I use both spellings in the same document?
It's best to stick to one spelling variant for consistency.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can the spelling impact the meaning in poetry or literature?
No, the spelling does not change the meaning, even in creative writing.
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Nov 21, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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