excellent attempt

[ɪkˈselənt əˈtɛmpt]
noun phrasepl: excellent attempts
excelente tentativa
1. a commendable or praiseworthy effort to accomplish something, even if the final result was not successful
Although he didn't win the competition, it was an excellent attempt.
Embora ele não tenha vencido a competição, foi uma excelente tentativa.
2. praise given for trying one's best despite difficulty or failure
Your excellent attempt at solving the problem showed great effort.
Sua excelente tentativa de resolver o problema mostrou grande esforço.
This phrase is commonly used in educational and sports contexts in both the USA and Brazil to encourage students and athletes. In American culture, it reflects the emphasis on process and effort over outcome. In Brazilian culture, it is frequently used as positive reinforcement in classroom and family settings.
NYC Slang
solid effort, bro / nice try
Synonyms / Sinônimos
commendable effortvaliant trysolid attemptgood effortcreditable try
Antonyms / Antônimos
poor attemptfailed effortweak tryhalf-hearted attempt

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
excelente tentativa
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
excelente tentativa / boa tentativa
often shortened to just 'boa tentativa' in casual speech
São Paulo
excelente tentativa
formal and informal usage equally common
Portugal
excelente tentativa
identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

attempteffortendeavortryexcellent

Related Idioms & Phrases

good on you
nice try
you gave it your all
points for effort
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