Definition of “try” - English Dictionary

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“try” in English

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tryverb

uk ​ /traɪ/ us ​ /traɪ/

try verb (ATTEMPT)

A2 [ I or T ] to attempt to do something:

Keep trying and you'll find a job eventually.
If I don't get into the academy this year, I'll try again next year.
I've tried really hard but I can't convince him to come.
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.

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try verb (TEST)

B1 [ T ] to test something to see if it is suitable or useful or if it works:

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).
tried and tested/trusted US tried and true

› used by many people and proved to be effective:

Most people would prefer to stick to tried and tested methods of birth control.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Idiom(s)

try sth for size
try your hand at sth
try your luck
try it on

Phrasal verb(s)

try for sth
try sth on
try sth out
try sth out on sb
try out for sth

trynoun

uk ​ /traɪ/ us ​ /traɪ/

try noun (ATTEMPT)

B2 [ C usually singular ] an attempt to do something:

They might still have tickets left - why don't you give it a try?
This will be her third try at jumping the bar.
You could ask him if he's willing - it's worth a try.

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(Definition of “try” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“try” in American English

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tryverb

us ​ /trɑɪ/

try verb (ATTEMPT)

› [ I/T ] to make an effort to do something:

[ 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).

try verb (TEST)

› [ T ] to test something to see if it is suitable or useful, or if it will work:

Have you tried that new recipe yet?
I want to try scuba diving.
Try the back door (= see if it is open).

try verb (EXAMINE IN COURT)

› [ T ] law to examine a person accused of committing a crime in a court of law to decide if the person is guilty:

He was tried for fraud.

Idiom(s)

try your hand at something
try someone’s patience

Phrasal verb(s)

try something out on someone
try on something
try out
try out something

trynoun [ C ]

us ​ /trɑɪ/

try noun [ C ] (ATTEMPT)

› an effort to do something; an attempt:

This will be her third try at an Olympic medal.
I decided to give skiing a try.

(Definition of “try” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“try” in Business English

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tryverb [ T ]

uk ​ /traɪ/ us ​ LAW

› to bring someone who is accused of a crime to a court of law to decide if they are guilty:

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

(Definition of “try” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Blogs about "try"

Come on – you can do it! Phrasal verbs with 'come'.

by Liz Walter,

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