try

/traɪ/
‘try’ can be a verb meaning to make an effort to do something, or a noun meaning an attempt or effort.

Examples

  • I will try to finish the report by Monday.
  • The team's try was thwarted by the opponent.
  • We try not to waste time.
  • Give it another try.
  • Her try at painting was impressive.

Meanings

Verb

To make an effort to do or achieve something.
From Old French essayer ‘to attempt’, derived from Latin exagere ‘to drive out’.

Examples

  • I will try to finish the report by Monday.
  • She tried her best to stay calm.
  • They are trying to solve the puzzle.
  • He tried the new restaurant last night.
  • We try not to waste time.

Noun

An act of attempting; an effort.
From Old French essayer ‘to attempt’, with the noun sense developing in Middle English.

Examples

  • Give it another try.
  • After several tries, the code finally worked.
  • Her try at painting was impressive.
  • The team's try was thwarted by the opponent.
  • He made a try at solving the riddle.
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