try
try Lexical Profile
try Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of making an effort to accomplish, achieve, or test something; an attempt.
"She solved the complex puzzle on her very first try."
In rugby, an act of scoring points by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area, which also earns the right to attempt a conversion kick at the goalposts.
"The winger sprinted down the touchline to score a decisive try in the final minute of the match."
• verb
To make an effort or attempt to do, accomplish, or achieve something.
"He decided to try a different approach after the initial experiment failed."
To test, sample, or use something for the first time in order to assess its quality, taste, or suitability.
"You should try the local seafood stew while you are visiting the coastal town."
To examine and decide a legal case or the guilt or innocence of a person in a court of law.
"The defendant will be tried before a federal jury next month."
To subject someone's patience, endurance, or composure to a severe strain or test.
"The constant delays and lack of clear communication began to try the passengers' patience."
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard and formal English, the infinitive construction 'try to' (e.g., 'I will try to call you') is strongly preferred over the informal 'try and', which is furthermore restricted to the base form of the verb.
• Rhymes for try
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English trien ('to separate the good from the bad, sift, test, or examine judicially'), borrowed from Anglo-French and Old French trier ('to pick out, cull, or sift'), of uncertain origin but likely from Gallo-Romance *tritare ('to grind or thresh grain'), from Latin terere ('to rub or wear away').