竭力 jiélì to do one's utmost
How to remember 竭力: 竭 to exhaust + 力 power = to do one's utmost.
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How it is used
- With all one's might - 竭力反对 (jiélì fǎnduì) to oppose with all one's strength; 竭力争取 to strive hard for.
- Adverb before a verb; 竭 means to exhaust, so it's stronger than 努力 (effort) - implies straining to the limit.
- Written register; near-synonym of 尽力 (jìnlì) but more emphatic.