try
6 ENTRIES FOUND:
tries;
tried;
trying
tries;
tried;
trying
Britannica Dictionary definition of TRY
1
:
to make an effort to do something
:
to attempt to accomplish or complete something
— often followed by to + verb
— often followed by and + verb
[no object]
-
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.”
-
If you don't succeed the first time, try, (and) try again.
-
He still hasn't found a job, but it is not for lack/want of trying. [=he has been trying to find a job but he has not found one]
[+ object]
-
I tried my best/hardest [=I tried very hard, I did everything that I could do], but I just couldn't do it.
-
He tried to move the sofa by himself.
-
Please try not to make any noise.
-
I was only trying to help!
-
You should try to exercise more.
-
Try and relax.
-
Try and think of another example.
2
[+ object]
:
to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
— often + out
-
I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone.
-
Try her cell phone.
-
He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked.
-
Try (pressing) that button.
-
Did you try restarting the computer?
-
If you want to lose weight, try exercising more.
-
She tried a karate move on him.
-
He tried the switch, and the lights flickered on.
-
I tried (opening) the door, but it was locked.
-
No, we don't sell those. Try the store across the street.
-
I tried several hotels, but there were no rooms available.
-
If you can't solve the problem, you should try out a different approach.
3
[+ object]
a
:
to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
— often + out
-
He never wants to try anything new.
-
I tried skiing for the first time last winter.
-
Have you ever tried teaching?
-
He decided to try the car out.
-
She has tried out many different jobs but can't find one she likes.
b
:
to taste (food or drink) to find out what it is like
-
You should try the cake. It's excellent.
-
“Would you like to try some caviar?” “Sure—I'll try anything once.”
-
Try a little bite.
4
[+ object]
:
to test how good, strong, etc., something or someone is
-
“These are the times that try men's souls.”
Thomas Paine, “The Crisis” (1776)
-
“Oh, you probably don't know the answer!” “Try me.” [=ask me the question]
-
You are trying my patience. [=you are making me lose my patience and become angry]
5
[+ object]
a
:
to examine and make a decision about (a legal case)
— usually used as (be) tried
-
The case was tried in a federal court.
b
:
to have a trial to decide if someone is innocent or guilty
— usually used as (be) tried for
-
He was tried for murder. [=he was put on trial for murder]
try for
[phrasal verb]
try for (something)
:
to make an attempt or effort to get (something)
-
You've already won $100. Do you want to try for more?
-
He tried for second place but finished third instead.
-
She tried for the job and got it.
-
They have been trying for a baby [=trying to have a baby] for several years.
try it on
British, informal
1
:
to behave badly so that someone becomes annoyed or angry
— often + with
-
Don't take any notice of him—he's only trying it on with you.
2
:
to try to start a sexual relationship with someone
— often + with
-
He tried it on with a girl at the pub.
try on
[phrasal verb]
try on (something)
or
try (something) on
:
to put on (a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, etc.) in order to see how it fits and looks
-
This is the fifth dress you've tried on.
-
Try this shoe on for size. [=put on this shoe to see if it is the correct size]
try out
[phrasal verb] chiefly US
:
to compete for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play
— often + for
—
see also 1try 2, 3 (above), tryout
-
She tried out [=auditioned] and got the lead role.
-
He tried out for the golf team.
try your damnedest
try your hand
try your luck
2
try
/ˈtraɪ/
noun
plural
tries
2
try
/ˈtraɪ/
noun
plural
tries
Britannica Dictionary definition of TRY
[count]
1
:
an effort or attempt to do something
— usually singular
-
I doubt it will work, but it's worth a try.
-
Nice try. I'm sure you'll do better next time.
-
“I can't open this jar.” “Let me have a try at it.” [=let me try to open it]
-
You should give skydiving a try.
-
(US, old-fashioned) We can win this game if we give it the old college try! [=if we give our very best effort and try very hard to win]
2
rugby
:
a play in which points are scored by touching the ground with the ball behind the opponent's goal line
