Spanish Conversation · Level 23
90 words
Spanish word
intento
Pronunciation
IPA/inˈtento/
Meaning
- masculine nounattempt
Example
Hicimos un intento para resolverlo.
We made an attempt to solve it.
More examples
Al final, ella falló en el intento de hablar en público.
In the end, she failed in the attempt to speak in public.
Core concept
One concrete trial or effort to accomplish a specific goal.
Common phrases
hacer un intento
make an attempt
fallar en el intento
fail in the attempt
Similar words
prueba: Test or inspection that checks the condition or performance of something.
ensayo: Practice session that runs through procedures or movements before the real event.
Definition in Spanish
Prueba o tentativa concreta hecha para comprobar o lograr algo; suele usarse para acciones deliberadas más que para meras posibilidades.
Word origin
Derived from the verb intentar, via Latin intentare (in- 'toward' + tendere 'to stretch'), with the sense shifting from 'stretch toward' to 'make a try'.
Usage tips
- Common collocations are hacer un intento and intento fallido, so Spanish often expresses 'try' with the verb intentar or the phrase hacer un intento rather than a lone noun.