How to pronounce attempt
Say it like uh-TEMPT. Attempt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMPT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce attempt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- TEMPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Attempt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TEMPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of attempt
American and British speakers say attempt in essentially the same way: /əˈtɛmpt/ in the US and /əˈtɛmpt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-TEMPT.
What does attempt mean?
- 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”
- the act of attacking“attacks on women increased last year”“they made an attempt on his life”
- make an effort or attempt“He tried to shake off his fears”“The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps”
- enter upon an activity or enterprise
Where does attempt come from?
The noun is from the 1530s, the sense "an assault on somebody's life, assassination attempt" (French attentat) is from 1580.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with attempt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of attempt.
Questions about saying attempt
How do you pronounce attempt?
Say uh-TEMPT. The American pronunciation is /əˈtɛmpt/. In British English it is /əˈtɛmpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in attempt?
Attempt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMPT). Broken into parts: uh · TEMPT.
Do Americans and Brits say attempt the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈtɛmpt/ and the British form is /əˈtɛmpt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.