strävan

Strävan is a Swedish noun that denotes striving, endeavor, or ambition. It refers to directed and often sustained effort toward a goal, emphasizing the process and intention behind actions rather than the outcome alone. The term is derived from the verb sträva, meaning to strive or endeavor, and it has cognates in other Germanic languages.

In everyday use, strävan can describe personal or collective efforts—from professional development and education to ethical or moral aims. In philosophy and theology, the concept is used to discuss the human drive toward ideals, perfection, or spiritual growth. In psychology, strävan aligns with notions of motivation and goal-directed behavior, including both intrinsic motivations (acting for inherent satisfaction) and extrinsic factors.

Cultural and literary contexts in Swedish discourse frequently employ strävan to capture the value placed on perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning. It is often presented as a neutral description of effort rather than a guarantee of success, highlighting the agent’s commitment and discipline.

Disambiguation and usage notes: Strävan is primarily known as a common Swedish term rather than as the name of a specific place or organization. If encountered as a title or proper name, its meaning should be clarified by contextual information. See also related concepts such as striving, ambition, motivation, perseverance, and ethical or religious striving.