trier

trier

UK[ˈtraɪə]US[ˈtraɪər]
n

a person who always makes an effort, especially to do their best

n

a person or body responsible for trying a case in a court of law; a judge or member of a jury

Morpheme Breakdown

try
er
try

attempt

er

agent suffix

Etymology

The word 'trier' originates from the Anglo-French verb 'trier', meaning to pick out, sift, or test, which itself has Germanic roots. This verb evolved into the modern English 'try', carrying the core sense of making an attempt or effort. The agent suffix '-er', of Old English origin, is then appended to form a noun denoting 'one who tries'. Consequently, the literal meaning of 'one who makes an attempt' developed into its modern dual sense: a person who perseveres and puts in effort, and a legal official (judge or juror) who examines evidence to test a case.

Analysis

Structure: try (attempt) + er (agent suffix) try (from Anglo-French 'trier', meaning to pick out, sift, or test, of Germanic origin) + er (agent noun suffix, from Old English '-ere', of Germanic origin)

Examples

She may not always win, but she's a real trier.

The trier of fact must weigh the credibility of the witnesses.

As a manager, he valued a trier over a naturally talented but lazy employee.