attempt
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1at·tempt
transitive verb \ə-ˈtem(p)t\Definition of ATTEMPT
1
: to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect <attempted to swim the swollen river>
2
archaic : tempt
Examples of ATTEMPT
- They've attempted a climb up Mount Everest once before.
- She attempted suicide early in their marriage.
Origin of ATTEMPT
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try — more at tempt
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ATTEMPT
Synonym Discussion of ATTEMPT
attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.
2attempt
nounDefinition of ATTEMPT
1
a : the act or an instance of attempting; especially : an unsuccessful effort b : something resulting from or representing an attempt <surrounded by … a few attempts at rose bushes — Marian Engel>
See Examples of ATTEMPT
- She failed her driving test on the first attempt but she succeeded on her second attempt.
- Her attempt at a home-cooked meal consisted of frozen fish sticks and a can of soup.
First Known Use of ATTEMPT
1534
Related to ATTEMPT
Rhymes with ATTEMPT
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