Sentence:  The very firmness of her convictions and logical clearness of her arguments captivated and stimulated him to make greater <WSD>efforts</WSD> ; usually , this is most exasperating to men , who expect every woman to verify their preconceived notions concerning her sex , and when she does not , immediately condemn her as eccentric and unwomanly . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something