Attempts
/əˈtɛmpts/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn effort to do something, especially something difficult.
/ˈætɛmpt/
An act of trying to do something.
He made a valiant attempt to win the race.
💡 Simply: A try or a tryout
More Examples
Their attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
How It's Used
"She made several attempts to climb the mountain."
"His first attempt at the exam was unsuccessful."
To make an effort to accomplish something.
/əˈtɛmpt/
To try to do something, especially something difficult.
She attempted to solve the puzzle.
💡 Simply: To try to do something.
More Examples
He attempted a difficult climb.
How It's Used
"He attempted to open the door."
"He attempted murder."
Idioms & expressions
make an attempt
To try to do something.
"He made an attempt to open the door."
From Old French 'atempter' meaning 'to try, test', ultimately from Latin 'tentare' meaning 'to try, touch'.
The word has maintained a consistent meaning throughout history, largely focused on the act of trying.
Memory tip
Think of 'tempt' – tempting fate by trying something challenging.
Word Origin
"to touch, try"