bemüht

Bemüht is a German adjective that translates to "attempted," "endeavored," or "striven." It describes an action or state of being where effort has been made, often with a sense of exertion or a less-than-perfect outcome. The word implies that someone tried to do something, even if they didn't fully succeed or the result was somewhat awkward or labored.

The term can be used in various contexts. For example, a "bemüht lächeln" (bemüht smile) suggests a smile that is forced or unnatural, indicating an effort to appear happy. Similarly, "ein bemühtes Argument" refers to an argument that is poorly constructed or unconvincing, despite the speaker's attempts to make it sound logical. It can also describe physical actions, such as a "bemühtes Aufstehen" (bemüht getting up), implying difficulty or slowness.

The nuance of "bemüht" often carries a slight tone of pity or gentle criticism, acknowledging the effort made while also pointing out its shortcomings. It is not a strongly negative word, but it suggests that perfection or ease was not achieved. The etymology of the word traces back to the German verb "sich bemühen," meaning "to endeavor" or "to make an effort."