All the words in this group mean to make an effort to do or accomplish something. Try is the most general term and, in its wider application, suggests the expenditure of physical or mental energy to get something done, but with the implication that success is likely.

• She always tries to finish her housework before noon; Try to get your assignments in on time.

Try may imply also that one will use other means or search into other weight, have you tried to cut down on starches? In another sense try indicates making use of something in order to test its properties or to see if it functions properly: to try out a new recipe for a pudding; to try a window that is hard to open; to try driving a car with an unfamiliar type of gear-change.

Attempt may serve as a more formal synonym for try , but in general it has its own special connotations. It sometimes puts an emphasis on beginning or embarking upon something rather than on the energy expended towards accomplishing it: The ex-convict went to another part of the country to attempt to lead a new and law-abiding life. This word may imply also that the desired or expected result is not always forthcoming.

• The hysterical woman has several times attempted to kill herself in order to get attention; We have attempted to reach him by mail and by phone, but apparently he is out of town.

In idiomatic usage attempt means to try to make an attack or an assault, and it is used elliptically without the infinitive: to attempt (to climb) the Matterhorn; to attempt (to take) the life of a hated dictator.

Endeavour and strive suggest the use of great exertion, especially in the face of difficulty. Endeavour is to try to do something requiring unusual and earnest effort: an alcoholic endeavouring to stop drinking. Strive puts the emphasis on the toil and strain involved in doing something rather than on the result achieved: striving to make ends meet on a small, fixed salary. Both endeavour and strive tend to sound somewhat pompous today when used arbitrarily in place of try or attempt .

• I shall endeavour to do my job well in order to deserve the trust you have placed in me; He will strive to be a better husband and father in the future.