attempt

/ə'tempt/
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Thân thiện
attempt

The police attempted to stop the thief.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • An act of trying to do something, especially something difficult: "attempt" refers to the action of trying to achieve a goal or complete a task, often involving effort.
    • An act of trying to harm someone or attack something: In a specific context, "attempt" can mean an attack or an act of trying to harm someone or violate something.
  2. Verb:

    • To try to do something, to make an effort: The verb "attempt" means to try to achieve or complete something, often with conscious effort.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • His first attempt at baking a cake was surprisingly successful.
    • The climbers made another attempt to reach the summit.
    • He was arrested for an attempt on the president's life.
  • Verb:

    • She will attempt to break the world record.
    • The team attempted a difficult rescue operation.
    • I attempted to explain, but he wouldn't listen.
Advanced Usage
  • "to make an attempt": to try to do something.

    • You should make an attempt to reconcile with your friend.
  • "an attempt on someone's life": an act of trying to kill someone.

    • The security detail prevented an attempt on the ambassador's life.
  • "at the first attempt": on the first try.

    • She passed the driving test at the first attempt.
Variants and Related Words
  • Attempted (adj): describes an action that someone tried to do.

    • He was charged with attempted murder.
  • Attempter (n): a person who attempts something (less common).

    • The attempter of the record was very determined.
Synonyms
  • Try (v/n): to make an effort to do something.
  • Effort (n): a vigorous or determined attempt.
  • Endeavor (v/n): to try hard to do or achieve something (more formal).
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Attempt" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. The action is typically expressed by the verb "attempt" followed directly by an object or infinitive.)

Related Idioms
  • A forlorn attempt: a hopeless or desperate try with little chance of success.

    • It was a forlorn attempt to save the failing business.
  • To give it one's best attempt: to try as hard as one can.

    • I don't know if I can fix it, but I'll give it my best attempt.
attempt

The police attempted to stop the thief.

Noun
  1. the act of attacking
    • attacks on women increased last year
    • they made an attempt on his life
  2. earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
    • made an effort to cover all the reading material
    • wished him luck in his endeavor
    • she gave it a good try
Verb
  1. enter upon an activity or enterprise
  2. make an effort or attempt
    • He tried to shake off his fears
    • The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
    • The police attempted to stop the thief
    • He sought to improve himself
    • She always seeks to do good in the world