try

I UK [traɪ] / US verb
Word forms "try":
present tense I/you/we/they try he/she/it tries present participle trying past tense tried UK [traɪd] / US past participle tried
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1)

a) [intransitive/transitive] to attempt to do something

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

Don't try any of your tricks with me!

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 hard:

We'll just have to try harder next time.

try hard/desperately to do something:

He was trying desperately not to laugh.

try and try (= keep trying):

Jamie tried and tried and eventually he got a job.

b) [transitive] to attempt to open something such as a door or window, especially in order to see whether it is locked

I'm sure someone tried the door.

2)

a) [transitive] to do something in order to find out what happens, or to find out whether something is good, suitable, effective etc

He tried seven different colours before finding the right one.

try doing something:

I want to try playing tennis this spring.

Try adding cornflour to thicken the sauce a bit.

try something on someone:

The drug isn't ready to be tried on humans yet.

try something for size (= put on a piece of clothing in order to see whether it fits):

Try this pair for size – they look about right.

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."

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

Have you tried these scones?

3)

a) [transitive] to go to a particular place hoping to find someone or something

I tried the library for his new book.

b) to attempt to talk to someone because they might be able to help you or to 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 will be tried on 25th August.

try someone for something:

He was tried for murder and found guilty.

•

it is not for want/lack of trying — used for saying that someone is trying very hard to do something even though they might fail

If we lose this match, it won't be for want of trying.

- someone couldn't do something if they tried

- try as someone might

- try your hand at something

Phrasal verbs:

- try for

- try on

- try out

- try out for

See:

luck I

II UK [traɪ] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "try":
singular try plural tries
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1) an attempt to do something

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

first/second etc try (= at the first/second etc attempt):

Charlie passed his driving 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."

have a try:

I'll have a try – I'm pretty good at fixing things.

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

•

nice/good try — spoken used for saying that someone has not been successful in doing something, especially in persuading you or in tricking you

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

- give someone a try

- give something a try