endure

Pronunciation: en-DOOR

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of endure

To undergo or sustain hardship, adversity, or difficulty with patience and resilience, often over an extended period of time.

Origin of endure

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: durare

Original meaning: to last, to harden

How it evolved: Originally meaning 'to harden' or 'make lasting,' the word evolved to signify enduring adversity with patience and strength.

Derived from Middle English, 'endure' traces back to Latin roots, emphasizing the idea of lasting or remaining steadfast through adversity.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember endure

Think of 'endure' as 'end' + 'ure'—you need patience to make it to the 'end' of something difficult and ensure (ure) survival.

Synonyms for endure

Antonyms of endure

endure in a Sentence

  1. Despite the relentless challenges posed by the harsh climate, the villagers managed to endure and adapt over generations.
  2. She endured the grueling hours of study and preparation to excel in her graduate exams, proving her unwavering determination.
  3. The ancient ruins have endured centuries of natural erosion, standing as a testament to human craftsmanship and resilience.

endure in Literature & Culture

The verb 'endure' is commonly found in literature and speeches, emphasizing themes of resilience and survival, such as in Ernest Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea' or Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful calls for perseverance in the Civil Rights Movement.

Usage Notes

While 'endure' often implies suffering, it can also connotate strength and persistence in the face of difficulty. Avoid confusing it with simple persistence, which may lack the element of hardship.

Why endure Matters for GRE & SAT

‘Endure’ is frequently tested on the GRE due to its nuanced meaning and applicability in contexts requiring an understanding of resilience and adversity.

Word Family

endurance (noun)
The ability to withstand hardship or adversity for an extended period.
enduring (adjective)
Continuing to exist or last over a long time despite challenges.
endurably (adverb)
In a manner capable of being endured; with resilience.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of enduring hardship has been central to many religious and philosophical texts, such as the Bible and Stoic writings.
  • ‘Endure’ appears in Shakespeare's works, including the line ‘O, that my tongue were in the thunder’s mouth! Then with passion I could endure.’
  • The word is often used in motivational speeches and literature, symbolizing perseverance and human strength.
  • fortitude
  • stoic
  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
  • eclipse — overshadow or surpass

More Vocabulary Words Starting with E

  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclipse — overshadow or surpass