The word "trying" can have different meanings, and here are the synonyms for each meaning along with an analysis:
1. When "trying" means "difficult" or "taxing"
- Arduous
- Meaning: "Arduous" means involving a lot of effort and difficulty. It implies a task that is physically or mentally strenuous. For example, "Climbing the mountain was an arduous journey." It gives the sense that the activity requires a great deal of endurance and perseverance.
- Usage: Commonly used to describe long - term projects, challenging physical activities like mountain - climbing or long - distance running, and complex mental tasks such as solving intricate mathematical problems or writing a difficult research paper.
- Demanding
- Meaning: "Demanding" means requiring a lot of attention, energy, or skill. It implies that something or someone makes high demands. For example, "The new job was very demanding and required long hours." It emphasizes the high expectations and the toll it takes on a person's resources.
- Usage: Used to describe jobs, tasks, or situations that require a lot from an individual. It can refer to the requirements of a profession (a demanding career), the needs of a particular role (a demanding leadership position), or the demands of a particular activity (a demanding sport).
- Tough
- Meaning: "Tough" means difficult to do or endure. It can refer to a physical or mental challenge. For example, "The exam was really tough." It's a more casual and versatile word than "arduous" or "demanding" and can be used in a wide range of contexts to indicate difficulty.
- Usage: Used in both formal and informal language. You can use it to describe a tough decision, a tough workout, or a tough opponent. It's a common word to express that something is not easy to handle or overcome.
2. When "trying" means "attempting" or "making an effort"
- Attempting
- Meaning: "Attempting" means making an effort to do something, usually with the possibility of failure. For example, "He was attempting to fix the broken computer." It emphasizes the act of trying, without focusing on the difficulty of the task.
- Usage: Used when you want to convey the idea of making an initial or ongoing effort. It's often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain, such as attempting a new recipe, attempting to learn a new language, or attempting a difficult stunt.
- Striving
- Meaning: "Striving" means making great efforts, usually in pursuit of a goal or an ideal. For example, "She is striving for perfection in her work." It implies a continuous and determined effort.
- Usage: Used to describe a person's long - term or persistent efforts in various fields such as personal development, career, or social causes. It's a more aspirational word than "attempting" and emphasizes the motivation and dedication behind the effort.
- Endeavoring
- Meaning: "Endeavoring" means to try hard or make a serious and determined effort. For example, "The team is endeavoring to win the championship." It has a more formal tone than "attempting" and implies a sense of purpose and commitment.
- Usage: Used in more formal writing, such as in business reports, academic papers, or official speeches. It's a good word to use when you want to emphasize the seriousness and determination of the effort.