I. ˈtrī verb
( 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
II. noun
( plural tries )
Date: 1832
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