Trial Definition
trīəl, trīl
trialed, trialing, trialled, trials
noun
trials
The act or process of trying, testing, or putting to the proof; test.
Webster's New World
An instance of such a proceeding.
The trial of Socrates.
American Heritage
Experimental treatment or operation; experiment.
Webster's New World
A formal examination of the facts of a case by a court of law to decide the validity of a charge or claim.
Webster's New World
A testing of qualifications, attainments, or progress; probation.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- thorn
- pain
- visitation
- tribulation
- ordeal
- crucible
- headache
- nuisance
- irritant
- bother
- trying experience
- annoyance
- heavy blow
- misfortune
- severe test
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adjective
Of a trial or trials.
Webster's New World
Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis.
A married couple on a trial separation.
American Heritage
Made, done, or used for the purpose of trying, testing, etc.
Webster's New World
Characterized by having three (usually equivalent) components.
Wiktionary
Triple.
Wiktionary
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verb
To carry out a series of tests on (a new product, procedure etc.) before marketing or implementing it.
The warning system was extensively trialled before being fitted to all our vehicles.
Wiktionary
To try out (a new player) in a sports team.
The team trialled a new young goalkeeper in Saturday's match, with mixed results.
Wiktionary
other
idiom
on trial
- In the process of being tried, as in a court of law.
American Heritage
trial by fire
- A test of one's abilities, especially the ability to perform well under pressure.
American Heritage
on trial
- in the process of being tried, as in a court of law
Webster's New World
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Other Word Forms of Trial
Noun
Singular:
trial
Plural:
trialsIdioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Trial
- on trial
- trial by fire
- on trial
Origin of Trial
-
Middle English triall a testing from Anglo-Norman trial from trier to pick out, try from Old French trier to pick out, separate out try
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From Anglo-Norman trial, from trier (“to pick out, cull") + -al. More at try.
From Wiktionary
-
From Latin trialis, an adjective formed from tres (“three") + -ālis.
From Wiktionary
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