mindmap root((努力)) attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort and often suggests the strong possibility of failure: will ~ to photograph the rare bird. try stresses effort or experiment made to test or prove something: ~ied several times to find a solution. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty and connotes a striving to fulfill a duty: ~ed to find survivors of the crash. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting: had ~ed dramatic roles on two earlier occasions. strive implies exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort: continues to ~ for a lasting peaceful solution.