attempt

attempt

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Pronunciation

attempt: /əˈtɛmpt/

• First syllable (/ə/):

• /ə/ - a schwa sound, like the 'a' in 'about'

• Second syllable (/ˈtɛmpt/):

• /t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive, like the 't' in 'top'

• /ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel, like the 'e' in 'bed'

• /m/ - voiced bilabial nasal, like the 'm' in 'mat'

• /p/ - unvoiced bilabial plosive, like the 'p' in 'pat'

• /t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive, like the 't' in 'top'

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Word Form Variations

Noun:

• Singular: attempt

• Plural: attempts

Verb:

• Base form: attempt

• Third-person singular present: attempts

• Past simple: attempted

• Past participle: attempted

• Present participle: attempting

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Definition 1: An act of trying to achieve something, often without full certainty of success.

• Synonyms: effort, endeavor, try, venture, undertaking

• Antonyms: success, achievement, victory, accomplishment, triumph

• Definition 2: A specific instance or example of an effort made towards a goal.

• Synonyms: trial, shot, go, stab (informal), crack (informal)

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific nuance, as it refers to the act itself rather than its outcome.)

Verb

• Definition 1: To make an effort or try to do something, especially something difficult or new.

• Synonyms: try, endeavor, seek, strive, undertake, aim

• Antonyms: succeed, accomplish, complete, abandon, give up

• Definition 2: To make a physical or mental move towards achieving a particular outcome.

• Synonyms: tackle, launch into, embark on, set about, go for

• Antonyms: avoid, refrain from, abstain, desist, retreat

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "His latest attempt to reconcile with his estranged brother proved fruitless, leaving both men more entrenched in their positions." (From a contemporary novel exploring family dynamics)

• "The historical text meticulously documented the numerous attempts by early explorers to chart the treacherous northern passage." (From a non-fiction history book)

• Newspapers:

• "Authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle rare artifacts across the border this morning, leading to several arrests." (From The Daily Nation)

• "The city council's attempt to introduce new parking regulations has met with significant public opposition." (From The Standard)

• Online Publications:

• "Despite a valiant attempt to stage a comeback, the defending champions ultimately fell short in the final minutes of the game." (From ESPN.com)

• "Researchers are making another attempt to develop a more effective vaccine against the rapidly mutating virus." (From a science news website)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "In a daring attempt to escape their captors, the protagonists scaled the sheer cliff face under the cover of darkness." (From a movie review)

• "The singer's first attempt at a solo album showcased a new, more experimental sound." (From a music blog review)

• "Watch this hilarious attempt at a cooking challenge gone wrong!" (From a popular YouTube video title)

• General Public Discourse:

• "I'm going to make one last attempt to fix this leaky faucet before calling a plumber." (Heard in a casual conversation)

• "Her attempt to explain the complex concept was admirable, even if I still don't quite grasp it." (Heard in a discussion among friends)

• "That was a good attempt, but you need to practice more." (A coach to an athlete)

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10 Quotes Using Attempt

1. "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." (William Shakespeare)

2. "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" (Vincent Van Gogh)

3. "I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed." (Robert H. Schuller)

4. "We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful." (Warren Buffett)

5. "In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd." (Miguel de Cervantes)

6. "Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible." (M. C. Escher)

7. "When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity." (Napoleon Bonaparte)

8. "Never go backward; attempt, and do it with all your might." (Charles Simmons)

9. "Love is the attempt to form a friendship inspired by beauty." (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

10. "The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed." (Richard Brinsley Sheridan)

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Etymology

Let's break down the history of the word "attempt" in simple terms.

"Attempt" comes from the Old French word "atempter," which meant "to try, to tempt, to undertake, to endeavor." This Old French word itself was derived from the Latin word "temptare," meaning "to feel, to try, to test, to urge, to solicit." You can see how the idea of "testing" or "trying" something is right there in its ancient roots.

The first known use of "attempt" in English dates back to the late 14th century. At that time, its primary meaning was "to try to do something, to make an effort," or sometimes "to try to influence or tempt someone." So, from its very beginning in English, "attempt" carried the core sense of making an effort towards a goal, whether that goal was a task or influencing another person.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Attempt

• At the first attempt: Successfully on the initial try.

• Make an attempt: To try to do something.

• Bold attempt: A daring or courageous try.

• Failed attempt: An unsuccessful effort.

• Serious attempt: A determined and earnest try.

• Murder attempt: An act of trying to kill someone.

• An honest attempt: A genuine and sincere effort.

• To make a vain attempt: To try without success.

• Beyond all attempt: Impossible to achieve or describe.

• One's best attempt: The utmost effort one can make.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of attempt from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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