First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1try
verb \ˈtrī\
: to make an effort to do something : to attempt to accomplish or complete something
: to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
: to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
triedtry·ing
Full Definition of TRY
transitive verb
1
a : to examine or investigate judicially <try a case> b (1) : to conduct the trial of (2) : to participate as counsel in the judicial examination of
2
a : to put to test or trial <try one's luck> —often used with out <try out a new method> b : to subject to something (as undue strain or excessive hardship or provocation) that tests the powers of endurance c : demonstrate, prove
3
4
: to fit or finish with accuracy
5
: to make an attempt at —often used with an infinitive <try to fix the car>
intransitive verb
: to make an attempt <you can do it if you try>
— try one's hand
: to attempt something for the first time
See try defined for English-language learners
See try defined for kids
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Origin of TRY
Middle English trien, from Anglo-French trier to select, sort, examine, determine, probably from Late Latin tritare to grind, frequentative of Latin terere to rub — more at throw
Synonym Discussion of TRY
afflict, try, torment, torture, rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress <ills that afflict the elderly>. try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control <children often try their parents' patience>. torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance <a horse tormented by flies>. torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering <tortured by a sense of guilt>. rack stresses straining or wrenching <a body racked by pain>.
attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.
attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.
2try
noun
: an effort or attempt to do something
rugby : a play in which points are scored by touching the ground with the ball behind the opponent's goal line
plural tries
Full Definition of TRY
1
: an experimental trial : attempt <succeeded on the first try>
2
: a play in rugby that is similar to a touchdown in football, scores usually five points, and entitles the scoring side to attempt a placekick at the goal for additional points; also : the score made on a try
See try defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TRY
1832
TRIES Defined for Kids
1try
verb \ˈtrī\
tried \ˈtrīd\try·ing
Definition of TRY for Kids
1
: to make an effort or attempt at <He tries to remain calm.> <Try calling her.>
2
: to put to a test <Have you ever tried artichokes?> <You might try this key in the lock.>
3
: to examine or investigate in a court of law <They were tried for murder.>
4
: to conduct the trial of <An experienced judge will try the case.>
5
: to test to the limit <The children are trying my patience.>
— try on
: to put on (a garment) to test the fit
— try out
: to compete to fill a part (as on an athletic team or in a play)
2try
noun
plural tries
Definition of TRY for Kids
: an effort to do something : attempt <It took several tries, but I finally scored.>
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Seen & Heard
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