Crossword Genius

Strives to study minds (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

contends

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'strives' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to competing as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'study minds' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'con' (con can mean to study).
'minds' becomes 'tends' (tending is a kind of minding).
'con'+'tends'='CONTENDS'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for contends that I've seen before include "Maintains or asserts" , "Strives; maintains" , "Fights or argues" , "Strives against another" , "Vies" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish Independent.
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