- conation (n.)
- in philosophical use from 1836, from Latin conationem (nominative conatio) "an endeavoring, effort," noun of action from past participle stem of conari "to endeavor, to try," from PIE *kona-, from root *ken- (1) "to set oneself in motion" (see deacon).
- endeavor (v.)
- c. 1400, from phrase put in dever (see endeavor (n.)). Related: Endeavored; endeavoring.
- endeavour
- chiefly British English spelling of endeavor (q.v.); for spelling, see -or. Related: Endeavoured; endeavoring; endeavours. The U.S. space shuttle was spelled this way because it was named for the HMS Endeavour, Capt. Cook's ship.