try
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Anglo-Norman trier, from Old French, from Gallo-Romance *triare of unknown origin, perh. of Germanic origin akin to Gothic trauan "to trust, prove the truth of", Gothic triggwa "true, faithful", cf. Icelandic tryggr "true, faithful", Old High German gitriuwi. Replaced native Middle English cunnen "to try" (from Old English cunnian), Middle English fandien "to try, prove" (from Old English fandian), and Middle English costnien "to try, tempt, test" (from Old English costnian). More at true.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Verb
|
Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to try (third-person singular simple present tries, present participle trying, simple past and past participle tried)
- To attempt. Followed by infinitive, the attempt fails or is expected to fail.
- I tried to rollerblade, but I couldn’t.
- To make an experiment. Usually followed by a present participle.
- I tried mixing more white paint to get a lighter shade.
- To work on something.
- You are trying too hard.
- To put to test.
- I shall try my skills on this
- To taste, sample, etc.
- Try this—you’ll love it.
- To put on trial.
- He was tried and executed.
- To tire.
- You are trying my patience.
[edit] Usage notes
- (to attempt): This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.
- (to make an experiment): This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing).
- See Appendix:English catenative verbs
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
[edit] Noun
|
Singular |
Plural |
try (plural tries)
- An attempt.
- I gave unicycling a try but I couldn’t do it.
- An act of tasting or sampling.
- I gave sushi a try but I didn’t like it.
- (rugby) A score in rugby, analogous to a touchdown in American football.
- Today I scored my first try.
[edit] Synonyms
- (an attempt): bash, go, stab, whirl
- (an act of tasting or sampling): sampling, taste, tasting
- (a score in rugby): touchdown (American football)
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
