Definition of try
tried
;trying
intransitive verb
: to make an attempt you can do it if you try
transitive verb
1 : to make an attempt at —often used with an infinitive try to fix the car
2a : to put to test or trial try one's luck —often used with out try out a new methodb : to subject to something (such as undue strain or excessive hardship or provocation) that tests the powers of endurancec : demonstrate, prove
3a : to examine or investigate judicially try a caseb (1) : to conduct the trial of (2) : to participate as counsel in the judicial examination of
4a : to melt down and procure in a pure state : render try out whale oil from blubberb obsolete : purify, refine
5 : to fit or finish with accuracy
try one's hand
: to attempt something for the first time
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Examples of try in a Sentence
I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try.
Keep trying. You can do it.
You can do it if you try hard enough.
“He said he can beat you.” “I'd like to see him try!”
I tried, but I just couldn't do it.
“She's not in the office now.” “OK. I'll try again later.”
I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone.
He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked.
Did you try restarting the computer?
If you want to lose weight, try exercising more.
Recent Examples of try from the Web
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In a bizarre sequence inside the El Salvador box during at around the hour mark of the 2-0 USA win, defender Henry Romero got a little handsy and followed up by doing his best Luis Suarez impression in trying to agitate Altidore.
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The reality: A fractious Republican Party hasn't done either, and Trump has seemed mostly uninterested in trying to help them find a way to come together on it.
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For fans planning to be at IMS for a long period of time, try to find some shade -- at least occasionally.
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Jenny Slate is trying to put herself back out there after her split with Chris Evans, but unfortunately, the comedian is learning the hard way that dating, well, sucks.
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Pitching coach Rich Sauveur has tried to preach that to Atkinson, who has five starts for the Cougars after a stint in Visalia.
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Claremont McKenna, the small, Southern California liberal-arts college, has punished seven students for their part in trying to shut down a speaking event last spring.
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Those who lost their jobs or saw their hours cut are trying to build a career for themselves in one of the most expensive cities in America, and the loss of income will have devastating effects on themselves and their families.
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Authorities say hundreds of cars line the busy road on weekends and holidays, with hikers sometimes darting across four lanes of traffic trying to access the trail — endangering drivers and pedestrians.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'try.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology 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 1throw
Synonym Discussion of try
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
try
Definition of try
tries
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
Examples of try in a Sentence
was granted another try at the field goal
Recent Examples of try from the Web
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Compare that to Baghdad's 138 B1/B2s issued that same month, or the 1,492 issued at the same time in neighboring Pakistan, and the records suggest the girls' try was a long shot.
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After apply a balm (try: Freeman Beauty Lemon + Sage Foot Balm, $3.99, walgreens.com) to heels.
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Monahan, the former Idaho quarterback, took it upon himself and started calling all the McDonalds in the phone book in Ray’s hometown of McKinney, Texas, and on the fourth try, Ray answered the phone.
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With its new try-before-you-buy service, Prime Wardrobe, Amazon is taking away the anxiety that exists around buying clothes online by allowing customers to try on clothes in the comfort of their own home.
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With Siri and a clear hole in its ecosystem, Apple is banking that its second try at a speaker product will do better.
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And on Tuesday, the Pentagon gave it a try – for practice.
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In 2016, only 25 percent of its students passed the Arizona bar exam on their first try (at Arizona State University, the rate was 77 percent).
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In 10 of his his next 11 tries, his races would end early.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'try.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of try
1832
TRY Defined for English Language Learners
try
playDefinition of try for English Language Learners
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: to make an effort to do something : to attempt to accomplish or complete something
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: to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
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: to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
try
Definition of try for English Language Learners
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: an effort or attempt to do something
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rugby : a play in which points are scored by touching the ground with the ball behind the opponent's goal line
TRY Defined for Kids
Definition of try for Students
tried
\ˈtrīd\;trying
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)
Medical Dictionary
Try
Medical Definition of Try
tryptophan
Law Dictionary
try
Legal Definition of try
tried
trying
1 : to examine or investigate judicially no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law — U.S. Constitution amend. VII in an action tried on the facts without a jury — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 52(a)
2 : to conduct the trial of : put on trial
3 : to participate as lawyer or counsel in the trial of : bring to trial on behalf of a client was unqualified to try death penalty cases
Origin and Etymology of try
Anglo-French trier to choose, sort, ascertain, examine judicially, from Old French, to choose, sort
Learn More about try
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for try Spanish Central: Translation of try Nglish: Translation of try for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of try for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about try
Seen and Heard
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