attempt
UK[əˈtɛmpt]US[əˈtɛmpt]
v
To try to do something, especially something difficult.
n
An act of trying to do something, especially something difficult.
Morpheme Breakdown
at
tempt
at
to, towards
tempt
to try, to test
Etymology
The word 'attempt' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'atempter', which itself derived from Latin 'attemptare', meaning 'to try, test, or attack'. This Latin verb is a combination of the prefix 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'temptare' (a frequentative form of 'tendere', 'to stretch'). The core logic connects the physical act of stretching or reaching towards something with the abstract notion of making an effort. Thus, an 'attempt' literally signifies an act of stretching oneself towards a goal, evolving into its modern sense of trying or endeavoring to accomplish something.
Analysis
Structure: at (to, towards) + tempt (to try, to test)
- at: A prefix from Latin 'ad-', meaning 'to, towards, at'. It often indicates direction or addition.
- tempt: A root from Latin 'temptare', a variant of 'tentare', meaning 'to feel, try, test'.
Examples
She will attempt to climb the mountain next summer.
His first attempt at baking a cake was surprisingly successful.
The prisoner made a desperate attempt to escape.