try: Meaning and Definition of

try

1. to attempt to do or accomplish: Try it before you say it's simple.
2. to test the effect or result of (often fol. by out): to try a new method; to try a recipe out.
3. to endeavor to evaluate by experiment or experience: to try a new field; to try a new book.
4. to test the quality, value, fitness, accuracy, etc., of: Will you try a spoonful of this and tell me what you think of it?
5. to examine and determine judicially, as a cause; determine judicially the guilt or innocence of (a person).
6. to put to a severe test; subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, or trouble; tax: to try one's patience.
7. to attempt to open (a door, window, etc.) in order to find out whether it is locked: Try all the doors before leaving.
8. to melt down (fat, blubber, etc.) to obtain the oil; render (usually fol. by out).
1. to determine the truth or right of (a quarrel or question) by test or battle (sometimes fol. by out).
2. to find to be right by test or experience.

1. to make an attempt or effort; strive: Try to complete the examination.
2. to lie to in heavy weather under just sufficient sail to head into the wind.
3. etc., She's been trying it on ever since the inheritance came through.
1. to put on airs:She's been trying it on ever since the inheritance came through.
2. to be forward or presumptuous, esp. with a member of the opposite sex:She avoided him after he'd tried it on with her.
4. to put on an article of clothing in order to judge its appearance and fit: You can't really tell how it will look until you try it on.
5. to use experimentally; test: to try out a new car.
6. to compete for (a position, membership, etc.): Over a hundred boys came to try out for the football team.

1. an attempt or effort: to have a try at something.
2. a score of three points earned by advancing the ball to or beyond the opponents' goal line.
3. to make a sincere effort: I gave it the old college try and finally found an apartment.