trial

[ˈtraɪəl]

trial Definition

• 1. a formal examination of evidence in court by a judge and often a jury, to decide if someone accused of a crime is guilty or not
• 2. a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something

Using trial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The trial lasted for three weeks.

• Example

  The defendant was found guilty after a fair trial.

• Example

  The new drug is undergoing clinical trials.

• Example

  The company is offering a free trial of their software.

trial Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for trial

• hearing
• lawsuit
• litigation
• test
• experiment
• assessment
• evaluation
• appraisal

Antonyms for trial

• acquittal
• exoneration
• absolution
• approval
• endorsement

Idioms Using trial

• on trial

  being judged or evaluated, especially in a court of law

  Example

  The suspect is currently on trial for murder.

• put on trial

  to subject someone to a legal trial

  Example

  The company was put on trial for violating environmental regulations.

• stand trial

  to appear in court as a defendant

  Example

  The accused will stand trial next month.

Phrases with trial

• trial and error

  the process of experimenting with various methods until one finds a successful solution

  Example

  I had to use trial and error to figure out how to fix the computer.

• trial by fire

  a severe test of one's abilities or character

  Example

  Her first day on the job was a trial by fire, but she managed to handle it well.

• trial balloon

  a tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy will be received

  Example

  The government floated a trial balloon about raising taxes, but quickly withdrew the proposal after public outcry.

Origins of trial

from Anglo-French 'trial', from trier, meaning 'to try'

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Summary: trial in Brief

The term 'trial' [ˈtraɪəl] refers to a formal examination of evidence in court to determine guilt or innocence, or a test of performance, qualities, or suitability. It spans contexts from legal proceedings, exemplified by 'The defendant was found guilty after a fair trial,' to experimental testing, as in 'The new drug is undergoing clinical trials.' 'Trial' extends into phrases like 'trial and error,' and idioms like 'on trial,' denoting being judged or evaluated.