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Search results for 'try':

try verb (tries, tried, trying) 1 tr & intr to attempt or make an effort; to seek to attain or achieve. 2 (also try out) to test something or experiment with it in order to assess its usefulness, value, quality, etc. 3 a to conduct the legal trial of someone • tried him for murder; b to examine all the evidence of and decide (a case) in a law court. 4 to exert strain or stress on • try the limits of his patience. noun (tries) 1 an attempt or effort. 2 rugby the act of carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line and touching it down on the ground, scoring three points in Rugby League or five in Rugby Union and entitling the scoring side to attempt a conversion. try one's hand at something to see if one can do it, especially at a first attempt. try it on Brit colloq to attempt to deceive someone, or to test their patience or tolerance. See also try-on.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin triare to sift or pick out.

try something on to put on (clothes, shoes, etc) in order to check the fit, appearance, etc.

try out to go, eg to a football, rugby, hockey, etc team, and have trials in the hope of being asked to join the team • Phil tried out for Aberdeen when he was only 14. See also try-out.

try something out to test its qualities, capabilities, etc • tried out a new brand of coffee. See also try-out.