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 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 a obsolete : 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 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>

synonyms see afflict, attempt

— try one's hand : to attempt something for the first time