try
try
UK[traɪ]US[traɪ]
v
To make an attempt or effort to do something.
v
To test, use, or experiment with something to see how good or effective it is.
v
To examine and decide a legal case in a court of law.
n
An attempt or effort to do something.
Etymology
The verb 'try' entered English in the late 13th century from Anglo-Norman French 'trier', meaning "to pick out, cull, sift". This French term likely derived from a Gallo-Roman or Late Latin word 'triare', of uncertain origin, though possibly connected to Latin 'terere' (to rub, wear down) via the concept of rubbing or threshing grain to separate it. The core semantic journey moved from the physical act of separating or selecting to the more abstract mental processes of testing, examining, and making an effort to ascertain quality or truth. The legal sense of "to examine judicially" appeared in the 14th century, solidifying its association with formal examination.
Analysis
The word 'try' is a simplex word of Anglo-Norman French origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English form.
Examples
I will try to finish the report by tomorrow.
You should try this new restaurant; the food is excellent.
The case will be tried in the Supreme Court next month.