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try

try definition

try (trī)

transitive verb tried, trying try′·ing

Obsolete to separate; set apart
: usually with out
1. to melt or render (fat, etc.) to get (the oil)
2. to extract or refine (metal, etc.) by heating
Now Rare to settle (a matter, quarrel, etc.) by a test or contest; fight out
1. to examine and decide (a case) in a law court
2. to determine legally the guilt or innocence of (a person)
3. to preside as judge at the trial of (a case or person)
to put to the proof; test
to subject to trials, annoyance, etc.; afflict Job was sorely tried
to subject to a severe test or strain rigors that try one's stamina
to test the operation or effect of; experiment with; make a trial of to try a new recipe
to attempt to find out or determine by experiment or effort to try one's fortune in another city
to make an effort at; attempt; endeavor: followed by an infinitive [try to remember] or, informally, by and used in place of to as the sign of the infinitive [try and remember]
to attempt to open (a door or window) in testing to see whether it is locked
Obsolete to find to be so by test or experience; prove

Etymology: ME trien < OFr trier < ? VL *tritare, to cull out, grind < L tritus, pp. of terere, to rub, thresh grain: see trite

intransitive verb

noun pl. tries

the act or an instance of trying; attempt; effort; trial
Rugby a scoring play in which the ball is grounded on or behind the opponent's goal line

try Idioms

try on

to test the fit or appearance of (an item of clothing, jewelry, etc.) by putting it on

try one's hand at

to attempt (to do something), esp. for the first time

try out

☆ to test the quality, result, value, etc. of, as by putting to use; experiment with
☆ to test one's fitness, as for a job, a place on an athletic team, a role in a play, etc.