Effort, n.
Etymology: [F. effort, OF. esfort, for esfors, esforz, fr. esforcier. See Efforce.]
1. An exertion of strength or power, whether physical or mental, in performing an act or aiming at an object; more or less strenuous endeavor; struggle directed to the accomplishment of an object; as, an effort to scale a wall. We prize the stronger effort of his power. Pope.
2. (Mech.)
A force acting on a body in the direction of its motion. Rankine.
Syn. -- Endeavor; exertion; struggle; strain; straining; attempt; trial; essay. See Attempt.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Effort, v. t.
To stimulate. [Obs.] "He efforted his spirits." Fuller.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for effort; he lists it under endeavor, industry.
Where he writes about it:
Effort denotes the voluntary putting forth of power to attain or accomplish some specific thing; it reaches toward a definite end; exertion is a putting forth of power without special reference to an object. — from endeavor
Every effort is an exertion, but not every exertion is an effort. — from endeavor
Attempt is more experimental than effort, endeavor less strenuous but more continuous. — from endeavor
An effort is a single act, an endeavor a continued series of acts; an endeavor is sustained and enduring, and may be lifelong; we do not have a society of Christian Attempt, or of Christian Effort, but of Christian Endeavor. — from endeavor
A struggle is a violent effort or strenuous exertion. — from endeavor
An essay is an attempt, effort, or endeavor made as a test of the powers of the one who makes it. — from endeavor