try

verb·noun

try definition & meaning

  • melt (fat or lard) in order to separate out impurities
  • test the limits of
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Examples of try in a sentence

As a verb

  • Try to finish your homework before dinner
  • I will try calling her again later
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As a noun

  • Give it another try
  • That was a good try
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Synonyms for try

  • render
  • strain
  • stress
  • assay
  • attempt
  • essay
  • seek
  • sample
  • taste
  • try out
  • essay
  • examine
  • prove
  • test
  • try out
  • try on
  • adjudicate
  • judge
  • attempt
  • effort
  • endeavor
  • endeavour
  • hear

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Related words to try

melt

melt down

run

afflict

act

move

take in

take

consume

ingest

have

judge

evaluate

pass judgment

assume

put on

wear

don

get into

determine

decide

make up one's mind

activity

probe

examine

hurt

anguish

pain

Word history

Etymology

The word "try" originates from the Old French "trier," meaning "to pick out, cull, or sift," which itself comes from the Late Latin "tritare," a frequentative form of "terere," meaning "to rub" or "to wear away." This Latin root is also the source of the English word "trite." The sense of "try" as "to test or examine" emerged in the 14th century, reflecting the idea of sifting or sorting to determine quality or truth. By the late 14th century, "try" evolved to mean "to attempt or endeavor," expanding its usage beyond mere examination to include efforts to achieve or accomplish something. The legal sense of "try," as in "to try a case," appeared in the 15th century, aligning with the notion of testing evidence or arguments in a judicial setting. Over time, "try" has maintained its core meanings related to testing, attempting, and evaluating, becoming a versatile verb in the English language.

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How many points is try worth in Scrabble?

Total points

6

Per letter points

T1R1Y4

Dictionary check

  • Offcl. Scrabble Pl. Dict. & Offcl Scrabble WordsYES
  • Collins Scrabble Words 2021YES
  • NASPA Word List 2020YES
  • Tournament Word List 2006YES
  • Words with Friends 2000YES
  • Words with Friends 1997 (Retired)YES

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