trial
trial Lexical Profile
trial Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.
"The high-profile fraud trial lasted for six weeks before the jury reached a verdict."
A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something, especially a clinical study evaluating a medical treatment.
"The new medication showed promising results during its second phase of clinical trials."
A person, experience, or thing that tests a person's endurance, patience, or faith; a hardship or annoyance.
"The harsh winter weather proved to be a severe trial for the early settlers."
• adjective
Done, made, or used as a test, experiment, or preliminary evaluation.
"New subscribers are eligible for a thirty-day trial period before any charges apply."
• verb
To test something (especially a new product, system, or medical treatment) to assess its suitability, quality, or performance.
"The school district decided to trial the new digital curriculum in three classrooms before adopting it district-wide."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling with 'trail' (a path or track) due to the transposed vowels. As an adjective (or attributive noun), 'trial' is used strictly before a noun (e.g., 'a trial period').
• Rhymes for trial
Word Origin & Etymology
From Anglo-French 'triel', a noun of action derived from Old French 'trier', meaning 'to pick out, cull, or examine'.