26984 words

tries

12 definitions • 33 examples
1
to attempt to do something:

Examples:

Keep trying and you'll find a job eventually.
try again If I don't get into the academy this year, I'll try again next year.
try hard I've tried really hard but I can't convince him to come.
try your best/hardest I'm trying my best/hardest, but I just can't do it.
[ + to infinitive ] I tried to open the window.
[ + -ing verb ] Maybe you should try getting up (= you should get up) earlier.
2
to test something to see if it is suitable or useful or if it works:

Examples:

I tried that recipe you gave me last night.
We don't sell newspapers - have you tried the coffee shop on the corner?
[ + -ing verb ] Try using a different shampoo.
I'd like to try parachuting.
I forgot my door-keys - we'd better try the window (= test it to see if it is open).
3
to examine a person accused of committing a crime in a law court by asking them questions and considering known facts, and then decide if they are guilty:

Examples:

Because of security implications the officers were tried in secret.
be tried for They are being tried for murder.
4
to worry or annoy someone or upset a person's patience with many, often slight, difficulties:

Examples:

try someone sorely The demands of the job have tried him sorely.
try your patience He's been trying my patience all morning with his constant questions.
try the patience of a saint Her endless demands would try the patience of a saint (= are very annoying).
5
an attempt to do something:

Examples:

give it a try They might still have tickets left - why don't you give it a try?
try at This will be her third try at jumping the bar.
worth a try You could ask him if he's willing - it's worth a try.
6
(in the game of rugby) the act of a player putting the ball on the ground behind the opposing team's goal line, which scores points for the player's team
7
in American football, an attempt to score an additional point or points after a touchdown has been scored, either by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts for one point or by carrying the ball into the opponent's end zone or catching it in the end zone for two points:

Examples:

After the touchdown, they decided to go for a two-point try.
The try was good, making the score 7 to 0.
8
to make an effort to do something:

Examples:

[ I ] Try to open this jar for me.
[ I ] You’ll have to try harder.
[ T ] I’m trying my best.
[ I ] Maybe you should try getting up earlier (= should wake earlier).
9
to test something to see if it is suitable or useful, or if it will work:

Examples:

Have you tried that new recipe yet?
I want to try scuba diving.
Try the back door (= see if it is open).
10
to examine a person accused of committing a crime in a court of law to decide if the person is guilty:

Examples:

He was tried for fraud.
11
an effort to do something; an attempt:

Examples:

This will be her third try at an Olympic medal.
I decided to give skiing a try.
12
to bring someone who is accused of a crime to a court of law to decide if they are guilty:

Examples:

be tried for sth The brothers were tried for financial crimes involving fraudulent use of depositors' money.
Their case is being tried next week.

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