List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 134

SYNONYMS: effort, exertion, endeavor, application, pains, trouble.
These nouns refer to the expenditure of physical or mental energy to accomplish something.

Effort applies to an attempt, great or small, to do something; where it is not qualified, the term usually implies a substantial expenditure of time, strength, or faculties: What is written without effort is read without pleasure.
Exertion implies the exercise of vigorous effort: England has saved herself by her exertions.
Endeavor suggests earnest striving to achieve a serious goal: "There must be positive endeavors to preserve peace" (Franklin D. Roosevelt).
Application connotes diligence, persistence, and hard work: He succeeded in his studies by steadfast application.
Pains implies attentive or laborious effort: Genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains.
Trouble refers to effort that causes inconvenience or bother: Many people watch the news on television to save themselves the trouble of reading the newspaper.