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effort

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effort

Main Entry:: ef·fort
Pronunciation:: \ˈe-fərt, -ˌfȯrt\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle French, from Old French esforz, esfort, from esforcier to force, from ex- + forcier to force
Date:: 15th century

1 : conscious exertion of power : hard work <a job requiring time and effort> 2 : a serious attempt : try <making an effort to reduce costs> 3 : something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort> 4 : effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force 5 : the total work done to achieve a particular end <the war effort>

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