Main Entry:

¹try

Pronunciation:

\ˈtrī\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

tried; try·ing

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 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 of2 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, prove3 aobsolete : purify, refine b: to melt down and procure in a pure state : render <try out whale oil from blubber>4: to fit or finish with accuracy5: 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>

synonyms see afflict, attempt

— try one's hand

: to attempt something for the first time