Try hard to do or achieve something: endeavor Make an effort to achieve or complete (something difficult): attempt Make an attempt or effort to do something: try Try and Attempt "Try" and "attempt" can be used interchangeably. Both mean "to make an attempt or an effort to do something", but "attempt" is more formal that "try". I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try. The prisoners attempted an escape, but failed. Strive "Strive" suggests a great effort to achieve or get something. I strived to be the first to climb the mountain. Endeavor "Endeavor" suggests a serious and continuing effort to do something. I endeavored to do well in school. The teacher endeavors to inspire a love of learning in his students. http://wordcategory.blogspot.in/2012/11/difference-between-try-attempt-strive.html