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View synonyms for attempt

attempt

[ uh-tempt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek:

    to attempt an impossible task; to attempt to walk six miles.

  2. Archaic. to attack; move against in a hostile manner:

    to attempt a person's life.

  3. Archaic. to tempt.


noun

  1. an effort made to accomplish something:

    He made an attempt to swim across the lake.

    Synonyms: endeavor, try

  2. an attack or assault:

    an attempt upon the leader's life.

attempt

/ əˈtɛmpt /

verb

  1. to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try
  2. to try to surmount (an obstacle)
  3. to try to climb

    they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger

  4. archaic.
    to attack
  5. archaic.
    to tempt
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an endeavour to achieve something; effort
  2. a result of an attempt or endeavour
  3. an attack, esp with the intention to kill

    an attempt on his life

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

Attempt should not be used in the passive when followed by an infinitive: attempts were made to find a solution (not a solution was attempted to be found )
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Derived Forms

  • atˈtempter, noun
  • atˈtemptable, adjective
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Other Words From

  • at·tempta·bili·ty noun
  • at·tempta·ble adjective
  • at·tempter noun
  • quasi-at·tempt verb
  • reat·tempt verb (used with object)
  • unat·tempta·ble adjective
  • unat·tempted adjective
  • unat·tempting adjective
  • well-at·tempted adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Anglo-French atempter from Latin attemptāre “to test, tamper with.” See at-, tempt
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt1

C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre to strive after, from tentāre to try
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Synonym Study

See try.
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Example Sentences

But despite attempts from the best scientists and philosophers, what color truly is, if it’s even anything tangible, remains elusive.

From Salon

She hoped her positive message would encourage people to “turn the page” on Mr. Trump’s attempts at dividing the country.

A man who was told a pregnant cow was stuck in his swimming pool said he is over the moon after a successful rescue attempt.

From BBC

He said his visit to Shelf on Thursday was his second trip up and a second attempt to see one of his bucket-list birds.

From BBC

The Brazilian government believes the January 2023 riots were part of a coup attempt orchestrated by Bolsonaro following his defeat in a tightly contested presidential election the previous October.

From BBC

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Related Words

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More About Attempt

What does attempt mean?

An attempt is an effort made to complete a task, as in My attempt to go to the concert failed when my car broke down.

To attempt means to try to complete a task, as in When Riddhi attempted to run to better her health, she found that she really enjoyed it too.

When you attempt something, you are making some kind of effort, whether or not you succeed. To attempt is to try.

Example: Louise attempted to make bread, but she forgot to add yeast to the recipe.

Where does attempt come from?

The first records of the term attempt come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin attemptāre, meaning “to test or tamper with.” When you attempt something, you test your ability to do that thing.

Less commonly, an attempt is also an attack, especially an attack that is meant to kill. If someone makes an attempt on a leader’s life, for example, it means that someone tried to kill that leader. When a murder or other crime is tried but fails, we call that an attempted crime, such as attempted murder or attempted robbery, and the person who made the attempt may be found guilty of breaking the law.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to attempt?

  • attemtability (noun)
  • attemptable (adjective)
  • attempter (noun)
  • unattempted (adjective)

What are some synonyms for attempt?

What are some words that share a root or word element with attempt?

What are some words that often get used in discussing attempt?

How is attempt used in real life?

Attempt is another way to say “try.”

 

Try using attempt!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for attempt?

A. neglect
B. seek
C. try
D. undertake

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attemperAttenborough