definition of the word try

From Anglo-Norman trier, from Old French, from Gallo-Romance *triare.

• enPR: trī, IPA: /traɪ/, SAMPA: /traI/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -aɪ

to try (third-person singular simple present tries, present participle trying, simple past and past participle tried)

1. To attempt. Followed by infinitive, the attempt fails or is expected to fail.

   I tried to rollerblade, but I couldn’t.

2. To make an experiment. Usually followed by a present participle.

   I tried mixing more white paint to get a lighter shade.

3. To work on something.

   You are trying too hard.

4. To put to test

   I shall try my skills on this

5. To taste, sample, etc.

   Try this—you’ll love it.

6. To put on trial.

   He was tried and executed.

7. To tire.

   It was a trying experience.

• In sense 1. this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.
• In sense 2. this is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing).
• See Appendix:English catenative verbs

• (1): attempt
• (2): sample, taste

Definition from Wiktionary Content avaible with GNU Free Documentation License

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