MW:
Main Entry: at·tempt
Pronunciation: a-'tem(p)t
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try -- more at TEMPT
1 : to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect
2 archaic : TEMPT
3 archaic : to try to subdue or take by force : ATTACK
- at·tempt·able /-'tem(p)-t&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms ATTEMPT, TRY, ENDEAVOR, ESSAY, STRIVE mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. ATTEMPT stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort . TRY is often close to ATTEMPT but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something . ENDEAVOR heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty . ESSAY implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting . STRIVE implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort .