attempt
UK: əˈtɛmpt | US: əˈtɛmpt
n. an effort to achieve or complete something difficult
vt. to make an effort to achieve or complete something
attempt = at<toward> + tempt<try>
- at (prefix): Derived from Latin ad- (toward, to), indicating direction or focus.
- tempt (root): From Latin temptare (to try, test), later influenced by Old French tenter.
Etymology Origin:
The word "attempt" entered Middle English from Old French atempter, itself from Latin attemptare (to try, attack). The Latin attemptare combined ad- (toward) + temptare (to test), reflecting the idea of "striving toward a goal." Over time, the meaning narrowed to focus on effort rather than literal testing.
She made an attempt to solve the puzzle but gave up after an hour.
The climbers will attempt to reach the summit tomorrow.
His first attempt at baking a cake was surprisingly successful.
The team failed in their attempt to break the world record.
Never attempt dangerous stunts without proper training.