1try 
/ˈtraɪ/ verb
tries; tried; try·ing /ˈtraɪ/ verb 1 : to make an effort to do something : to attempt to accomplish or complete something [no obj] ▪ I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try. ▪ Keep trying. You can do it. ▪ You can do it if you try hard enough. ▪ “He said he can beat you.” “I'd like to see him try!” ▪ I tried, but I just couldn't do it. ▪ “She's not in the office now.” “OK. I'll try again later.” ▪ If you don't succeed the first time, try, (and) try again. ▪ He still hasn't found a job, but it is not for lack/want of trying. [=he has been trying to find a job but he has not found one] [+ obj] ▪ I tried my best/hardest [=I tried very hard, I did everything that I could do], but I just couldn't do it. — often followed by to + verb ▪ He tried to move the sofa by himself. ▪ Please try not to make any noise. ▪ I was only trying to help! ▪ You should try to exercise more. — often followed by and + verb ▪ Try and relax. ▪ Try and think of another example. synonyms 1attempt 2 [+ obj] : to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
▪ I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone. ▪ Try her cell phone. ▪ He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked. ▪ Try (pressing) that button. ▪ Did you try restarting the computer? ▪ If you want to lose weight, try exercising more. ▪ She tried a karate move on him. ▪ He tried the switch, and the lights flickered on. ▪ I tried (opening) the door, but it was locked. ▪ No, we don't sell those. Try the store across the street. ▪ I tried several hotels, but there were no rooms available. — often + out ▪ If you can't solve the problem, you should try out a different approach. 3 [+ obj] a : to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
▪ He never wants to try anything new. ▪ I tried skiing for the first time last winter. ▪ Have you ever tried teaching? — often + out ▪ He decided to try the car out. ▪ She has tried out many different jobs but can't find one she likes.
b : to taste (food or drink) to find out what it is like
▪ You should try the cake. It's excellent. ▪ “Would you like to try some caviar?” “Sure—I'll try anything once.” ▪ Try a little bite. 4 [+ obj] : to test how good, strong, etc., something or someone is
▪ “These are the times that try men's souls.” — Thomas Paine, “The Crisis” (1776) ▪ “Oh, you probably don't know the answer!” “Try me.” [=ask me the question] ▪ You are trying my patience. [=you are making me lose my patience and become angry] 5 [+ obj] a : to examine and make a decision about (a legal case) — usually used as (be) tried ▪ The case was tried in a federal court.
b : to have a trial to decide if someone is innocent or guilty — usually used as (be) tried for ▪ He was tried for murder. [=he was put on trial for murder]
▪ I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone. ▪ Try her cell phone. ▪ He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked. ▪ Try (pressing) that button. ▪ Did you try restarting the computer? ▪ If you want to lose weight, try exercising more. ▪ She tried a karate move on him. ▪ He tried the switch, and the lights flickered on. ▪ I tried (opening) the door, but it was locked. ▪ No, we don't sell those. Try the store across the street. ▪ I tried several hotels, but there were no rooms available. — often + out ▪ If you can't solve the problem, you should try out a different approach.
▪ He never wants to try anything new. ▪ I tried skiing for the first time last winter. ▪ Have you ever tried teaching? — often + out ▪ He decided to try the car out. ▪ She has tried out many different jobs but can't find one she likes.
b : to taste (food or drink) to find out what it is like
▪ You should try the cake. It's excellent. ▪ “Would you like to try some caviar?” “Sure—I'll try anything once.” ▪ Try a little bite.
▪ “These are the times that try men's souls.” — Thomas Paine, “The Crisis” (1776) ▪ “Oh, you probably don't know the answer!” “Try me.” [=ask me the question] ▪ You are trying my patience. [=you are making me lose my patience and become angry]
b : to have a trial to decide if someone is innocent or guilty — usually used as (be) tried for ▪ He was tried for murder. [=he was put on trial for murder]
try for [phrasal verb]
try for (something) : to make an attempt or effort to get (something)
▪ You've already won $100. Do you want to try for more? ▪ He tried for second place but finished third instead. ▪ She tried for the job and got it. ▪ They have been trying for a baby [=trying to have a baby] for several years.
▪ You've already won $100. Do you want to try for more? ▪ He tried for second place but finished third instead. ▪ She tried for the job and got it. ▪ They have been trying for a baby [=trying to have a baby] for several years.
try it on
Brit, informal 1 : to behave badly so that someone becomes annoyed or angry — often + with ▪ Don't take any notice of him—he's only trying it on with you. 2 : to try to start a sexual relationship with someone — often + with ▪ He tried it on with a girl at the pub.
try on [phrasal verb]
try on (something) or try (something) on : to put on (a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, etc.) in order to see how it fits and looks
▪ This is the fifth dress you've tried on. ▪ Try this shoe on for size. [=put on this shoe to see if it is the correct size]
▪ This is the fifth dress you've tried on. ▪ Try this shoe on for size. [=put on this shoe to see if it is the correct size]
try out
[phrasal verb] chiefly US : to compete for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play
▪ She tried out [=auditioned] and got the lead role. — often + for ▪ He tried out for the golf team. — see also 1try 2, 3 (above), tryout
▪ She tried out [=auditioned] and got the lead role. — often + for ▪ He tried out for the golf team. — see also 1try 2, 3 (above), tryout
try your damnedest — see damnedest
try your hand — see 1hand
try your luck — see 1luck
