to make an effort to do something, to test or use something to see if it works or is effective, to attempt to persuade someone to do something

give it a try, all for show, try someone's patience

try one's hand at, try on, try for size

Formal and Informal Expressions of try

In different contexts, you can replace 'try' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'endeavor, assay, persuade' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'give it a shot, take a crack at it, test drive' is a commonplace synonym.

try: Explore its Definition & Usage

try Definition

1to make an effort to do something
2to test or use something to see if it works or is effective
3to attempt to persuade someone to do something

Using try: Examples

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

Example
I will try to finish the project by Friday.
Example
She tried the new recipe and it turned out great.
Example
He tried to convince his boss to give him a raise.
Example
I'm going to try out for the basketball team.
Example
Let's try this approach and see if it works.

try Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for try

Antonyms for try

Idioms Using try

give it a try
to attempt to do something, especially when unsure of the outcome
Example
I'm not sure if I can fix the car, but I'll give it a try.
all for show
done only to impress others, without any real effort or intention to succeed
Example
He pretended to study hard, but it was all for show; he didn't really care about his grades.
try someone's patience
to annoy or irritate someone by testing their limits or endurance
Example
Her constant complaining was starting to try my patience.

Phrases with try

try one's hand at
to attempt to do something that one has little or no experience with
Example
I decided to try my hand at painting, even though I've never done it before.
try on
to put on a piece of clothing to see how it fits or looks
Example
She tried on several dresses before choosing the one she wanted.
try for size
to test or evaluate something to see if it is suitable or appropriate
Example
We need to try this new software for size before we decide whether to buy it.

Origins of try

from Old French 'trier', meaning 'to pick, cull'

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Summary: try in Brief

The verb 'try' [traɪ] means to make an effort, test, or attempt to persuade. It can be used in various contexts, such as trying to finish a project, trying out for a team, or trying a new recipe. Phrases like 'try one's hand at' and 'try on' extend its usage, while idioms like 'give it a try' and 'try someone's patience' add nuance to its meaning.