cherchait

/ʃɛʁ.ʃɛ/chercher
1.
verbIndicative1stImperfectSingular3

was looking for

was searching for

was trying to find

Il cherchait ses clés partout ce matin.

He was looking for his keys everywhere this morning.

2.
verbIndicative1stImperfectSingular3

was trying to (do something)

was seeking (to understand/obtain something)

Elle cherchait à comprendre la situation.

She was trying to understand the situation.