Attempt

/əˈtɛmpt/ · verb

Meaning

To try..

Definitions by Sense

1. To try.
2. (obsolete) To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.
3. (archaic) To try to win, subdue, or overcome.
4. (archaic) To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force.
5. (criminal law) To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
6. The action of trying at something.
7. An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.
8. (criminal law) A substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).

Example Sentences

to attempt an escape from prison

I attempted to sing, but my throat was too hoarse.

A group of 80 budding mountaineers attempted Kilimanjaro, but 30 of them didn’t make it to the top.

Although it's hard to get right, please attempt to do so.

Something attempted, something done, / Has earned a night's repose.

Some poems, echoing the purpose of early poetic treatises on scientific principles, attempt to elucidate the mathematical concepts that underlie prime numbers. Others play with primes’ cultural associations. Still others derive their structure from mathematical patterns involving primes.

Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you.

It made the laughter of an afternoon / That Vivien should attempt the blameless king.

Synonyms for attempt

Antonyms for attempt

Related Words

Word Forms

• attempts
• attempting
• attempted
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• attempt
• attemptest
• attemptedst
• attempteth
• -

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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