esforçar

Senses

1. 1.

   to strive, to make an effort

   to try hard or exert oneself to achieve something

2. 2.

   to endeavor, to try

   to attempt earnestly to do or accomplish something

Examples

• "Ela se esforçou muito para passar no concurso."

  She made a great effort to pass the civil service exam.

• "Você precisa se esforçar mais nos estudos."

  You need to try harder in your studies.

• "Me esforcei ao máximo, mas não consegui terminar a tempo."

  I did my best, but I couldn't finish on time.

Usage

Almost always used reflexively as "esforçar-se" (to make an effort). Common collocations include "esforçar-se para/por" (to strive to/for) and "esforçar-se ao máximo" (to do one's utmost). The non-reflexive form is rare in modern Brazilian Portuguese.