try

try1 [ traı ] (past tense and past participle tried [ traıd ] ) verb ***

1. ) intransitive or transitive to attempt to do something:

Don't try any of your tricks with me!

I know she's not very helpful, but she does try.

try to do something: Just try to stay calm.

try and do something: I will try and get the report to you today.

try doing something: She tried talking about it to Steve, but he wouldn't listen.

try your best/hardest (to do something): Just try your best. I'm sure you'll be fine.

try and try (=keep trying): Jamie tried and tried and eventually he got a job.

try hard: You've just got to try harder next time.

try hard/desperately to do something: He was trying desperately not to laugh.

a ) transitive to attempt to open something such as a door or window, especially to see whether it is locked:

I'm sure someone tried the door.

b ) it is not for lack/want of trying used for saying that someone tried very hard to do something even though they failed:

If we lose this game, it won't be for lack of trying.

2. ) transitive to do something in order to find out what happens or find out whether something is good, appropriate, effective, etc.:

He tried seven different colors before finding the right one.

try doing something: I want to try playing soccer this spring.

Try adding cornstarch to thicken the sauce a bit.

try something on someone: The drug isn't ready to be tried on humans yet.

try something new/different (with something): Let's try something different with your hair this time.

try anything once: Would you like to go skydiving? I'll try anything once.

a ) if you try a food or drink, you taste it in order to find out whether you like it:

Have you tried these cookies?

3. ) transitive to go to a particular place hoping to find someone or something:

I tried the library for his new book.

a ) to attempt to talk to someone because they might be able to help you or give you information:

You could try Monica she knows a lot about gardening.

4. ) transitive usually passive to judge a person or case in a court of law:

Franklin's case is set to be tried on 25th August.

try someone for something: He was tried for murder and found guilty.

someone couldn't do something if they tried

used for saying that someone is completely unable to do something:

I couldn't help you with your math if I tried.

try as someone might

used for saying that someone is making a very great effort but still cannot do something:

Try as he might, he could not forget.

try your hand at something

to do an activity for the first time in order to find out whether you like it or are good at it:

I've always wanted to try my hand at writing a novel.

try your luck (at something)

to attempt to achieve success at something, especially by taking a risk:

Chris decided to try his luck at tennis.

`try ,for phrasal verb transitive

try for something to attempt to get or achieve something difficult, or something that you want very much:

My father encouraged me to try for a history scholarship.

,try `on phrasal verb transitive

to put on a piece of clothing in order to see how it looks and whether it fits:

What a cute dress! Why don't you try it on?

try it on (with someone) BRITISH INFORMAL

1. ) to behave badly in order to see how annoying or unreasonable you can be before someone becomes angry

2. ) to attempt to get something from someone by behaving dishonestly or by tricking them

try something on for size

1. ) to try on clothes to see if they fit

2. ) to try something to see if it is appropriate:

If you think that game's easy, try this one on for size.

,try `out phrasal verb transitive

to test someone or something to see what they are like or whether they are appropriate or effective:

John hopes to try out his new running shoes this weekend.

try something out on someone: Why don't you try your Italian out on Francesca?

,try `out for phrasal verb transitive AMERICAN

try out for something to try to become a member of a team or get a part in a play or movie by showing someone how well you can play or perform:

Rita's trying out for the school play again.

try

try 2 [ traı ] noun count **

1. ) an attempt to do something:

It was a good try, but it missed the goal.

first/second etc. try: Charlie passed the driver's test on his first try.

be worth a try: There are no guarantees it will work, but it's worth a try.

give something a try: I can't lift it. Here, let me give it a try.

2. ) if a RUGBY player scores a try, they touch the ground behind the goal line with the ball and score points

give someone a try

1. ) to talk to someone because they might be able to help you or give you information:

That woman looks like a local give her a try.

2. ) to give someone an opportunity to do something:

If you give me a try I'll work really hard.

give something a try

1. ) to do something in order to find out what happens or find out whether something is good, appropriate, effective etc.:

Tony's planning to give skiing a try this winter.

2. ) to go to a particular place hoping to find someone or something:

Why not give the library a try? He's usually there on Tuesdays.

nice/good try

used for saying that someone has not been successful in doing something, especially in persuading you or tricking you:

Nice try, but do you really think I would believe that?