Attempted vs. Tried

Attribute	Attempted	Tried
Definition	to make an effort to achieve or complete something	to make an attempt or effort to do something
Synonyms	tried, tested, undertaken	attempted, tested, experimented
Connotation	often implies a more serious or determined effort	can imply a more casual or experimental effort
Success Rate	may or may not result in success	may or may not result in success

Definition

When looking at the attributes of "attempted" and "tried," it is important to first understand the definitions of each word. "Attempted" is used to describe something that was tried or undertaken, but not necessarily completed successfully. It implies an effort was made to achieve a certain goal, but it may not have been successful. On the other hand, "tried" is used to describe something that was attempted with the intention of achieving a specific outcome. It suggests that an effort was made with the goal of success, but does not necessarily indicate whether that goal was achieved.

Intent

One key difference between "attempted" and "tried" lies in the intent behind the action. When something is described as "attempted," it suggests that the individual may have made an effort, but there is no guarantee of success. The focus is on the action itself rather than the outcome. In contrast, when something is described as "tried," it implies a more deliberate effort with the intention of achieving a specific result. The emphasis is on the goal or outcome of the action, rather than just the action itself.

Effort

Another aspect to consider when comparing "attempted" and "tried" is the level of effort involved. When something is labeled as "attempted," it may suggest that the effort put forth was minimal or incomplete. It could indicate that the individual made a half-hearted attempt without fully committing to the task. On the other hand, when something is described as "tried," it implies a more substantial effort was made. The individual likely put in more time, energy, and resources in an attempt to achieve the desired outcome.

Outcome

One of the most significant differences between "attempted" and "tried" is the focus on the outcome. When something is labeled as "attempted," it indicates that the result was not successful. The emphasis is on the fact that an effort was made, but the desired outcome was not achieved. In contrast, when something is described as "tried," it suggests that the outcome may have been successful. The focus is on the fact that an effort was made with the intention of achieving a specific result, and that result may have been realized.

Legal Implications

In a legal context, the terms "attempted" and "tried" have specific meanings and implications. In criminal law, an individual can be charged with attempted murder if they took a substantial step towards committing the crime, even if the crime was not completed. This implies that the individual had the intent to commit the crime and took actions to carry it out. On the other hand, being "tried" for a crime means that the individual is facing charges and will go through a legal process to determine their guilt or innocence. The term "tried" in this context refers to the legal proceedings that will take place.

Emotional Impact

When considering the emotional impact of being described as "attempted" versus "tried," there are significant differences. Being labeled as "attempted" may carry a sense of failure or disappointment, as it implies that the desired outcome was not achieved. It can be demoralizing to feel like one's efforts were not successful. On the other hand, being described as "tried" can evoke a sense of accomplishment or pride, even if the outcome was not as desired. It suggests that the individual made a genuine effort to achieve a goal, regardless of the result.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "attempted" and "tried" are often used interchangeably in everyday language, there are subtle differences in their meanings and implications. "Attempted" suggests an effort was made, but the outcome was not successful, while "tried" implies a deliberate effort with the intention of achieving a specific result. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify communication and avoid misunderstandings in various contexts.