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.

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