Trial vs. Try — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 30, 2024
Trial involves formal examination in court, focusing on legal procedures, whereas try denotes making an attempt or effort at something.
Difference Between Trial and Try
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A trial is a structured legal process where evidence is presented in front of a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence in criminal or civil matters. On the other hand, to try something refers to the act of attempting or testing something new or different, without the formal structure of a legal trial.
In a trial, legal representatives argue over the application of law, evidence, and the facts of a case. Whereas, when individuals try something, they engage in a personal or informal experiment to gauge outcomes or effects without legal implications.
Trials are crucial in the justice system, ensuring that legal disputes are resolved in a fair and orderly manner. Trying, however, is a fundamental process of learning and discovery, applicable in everyday situations outside the courtroom.
While a trial can lead to legal consequences such as imprisonment or fines, trying something typically results in personal gain or loss, such as learning a new skill or experiencing failure.
The outcome of a trial can affect many, impacting societal norms and legal precedents. In contrast, the outcome of trying is often limited to the individual or a small group directly involved in the effort.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal judicial process to resolve disputes.
The act of attempting or making an effort.
Context
Legal
General
Consequences
Legal decisions, penalties, or verdicts.
Personal outcomes, learning experiences.
Participants
Judges, lawyers, jury, defendants, plaintiffs.
Individuals or groups making an effort.
Purpose
To determine guilt or innocence, resolve disputes.
To test, learn, or experience something new.
Compare with Definitions
Trial
A tryout or preliminary competition.
She made the team after a successful trial.
Try
To make an attempt or effort to do something.
I'll try to finish the report by tomorrow.
Trial
A formal legal proceeding where a case is heard and decided.
The criminal trial lasted for over three months.
Try
To taste, sample, or otherwise experience something.
You should try the chef's special tonight.
Trial
The examination of evidence and arguments by a judge and often a jury.
During the trial, witnesses provided crucial evidence.
Try
To examine or hear (a case or defendant) in a court of law.
The judge will try the case without a jury.
Trial
A process to test the effectiveness of something in controlled conditions.
The clinical trial aims to evaluate the new drug's efficacy.
Try
To test or experiment with something.
Why not try a new approach to solving this problem?
Trial
An ordeal or severe test.
Surviving in the wilderness was a real trial for the team.
Try
To put forth effort towards achieving an outcome.
He tried hard to win the race.
Trial
In law, a trial is a coming together of parties to a dispute, to present information (in the form of evidence) in a tribunal, a formal setting with the authority to adjudicate claims or disputes. One form of tribunal is a court.
Try
Make an attempt or effort to do something
I started to try and untangle the mystery
I decided to try writing fiction
He tried to regain his breath
Three times he tried the manoeuvre and three times he failed
Trial
A formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings
The editor was summoned to stand trial for libel
The newspaper accounts of the trial
Try
Subject (someone) to trial
He was arrested and tried for the murder
Trial
A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something
Clinical trials must establish whether the new hip replacements are working
Try
Smooth (roughly planed wood) with a plane to give an accurately flat surface.
Trial
A person, experience, or situation that tests a person's endurance or forbearance
The trials and tribulations of married life
Try
Extract (oil or fat) by heating
Some of the fat may be tried out and used
Trial
Test (something, especially a new product) to assess its suitability or performance
Teachers all over the UK are trialling the materials
Try
An effort to accomplish something; an attempt
He got his membership card on his third try
Trial
(of a horse, dog, or other animal) compete in trials
The pup trialled on Saturday
Try
An act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line, scoring points and entitling the scoring side to a kick at goal.
Trial
A proceeding in which opposing parties in a dispute present evidence and make arguments on the application of the law before a judge or jury
The case is expected to go to trial.
Try
To make an effort to do or accomplish (something); attempt
Tried to ski.
Trial
An instance of such a proceeding
The trial of Socrates.
Try
To taste, sample, or otherwise test in order to determine strength, effect, worth, or desirability
Try this casserole.
Trial
The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof
A trial of one's faith.
Try
To make an effort to open (a closed door or window).
Trial
An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments
A clinical trial of a drug.
Try
To conduct the trial of (a legal claim)
To try a negligence case.
Trial
An effort or attempt
Succeeded on the third trial.
Try
To put (an accused person) on trial.
Trial
A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief
"the fiery trial through which we pass" (Abraham Lincoln).
Try
To subject to great strain or hardship; tax
The last steep ascent tried my every muscle.
Trial
A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing
The child was a trial to his parents.
Try
To melt (lard, for example) to separate out impurities; render.
Trial
A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.
Try
To make an effort; strive
I know it's not easy, but keep trying!.
Trial
Of, relating to, or used in a trial.
Try
An attempt; an effort.
Trial
Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis
A married couple on a trial separation.
Try
(Sports) In rugby, an act of advancing the ball past the opponent's goal line and grounding it there for a score of three points.
Trial
Made or done in the course of a trial or test.
Try
To attempt; to endeavour. Followed by infinitive.
I tried to rollerblade, but I couldn’t.
I'll come to dinner soon. I'm trying to beat this level first.
Trial
An opportunity to test something out; a test.
They will perform the trials for the new equipment next week.
Try
(obsolete) To divide; to separate.
Trial
Appearance at judicial court in order to be examined.
Try
To separate (precious metal etc.) from the ore by melting; to purify, refine.
Trial
A difficult or annoying experience, such an experience seen as a test of faith and piety
That boy was a trial to his parents.
Try
(one sort from another) To winnow; to sift; to pick out; frequently followed by out.
To try out the wild corn from the good
Trial
A tryout to pick members of a team.
Soccer trials
Try
(nautical) To extract oil from blubber or fat; to melt down blubber to obtain oil
Trial
(ceramics) A piece of ware used to test the heat of a kiln.
Try
To extract wax from a honeycomb
Trial
(UK) An internal examination set by Eton College.
Try
To test, to work out.
Trial
Pertaining to a trial or test.
Try
To make an experiment. Usually followed by a present participle.
I tried mixing more white paint to get a lighter shade.
Trial
Attempted on a provisional or experimental basis.
Try
To put to test.
I shall try my skills on this.
Trial
Characterized by having three (usually equivalent) components.
Try
(specifically) To test someone's patience.
You are trying my patience.
Don't try me.
Trial
Triple.
Try
To receive an imminent attack; to take.
Trial
(grammar) Pertaining to a language form referring to three of something, like people; contrast singular, dual and plural. (See Ambai language for an example.)
No language has a trial number unless it has a dual.
Try
To taste, sample, etc.
Oh, you need to try the soup of the day!
Trial
To carry out a series of tests on (a new product, procedure etc.) before marketing or implementing it.
The warning system was extensively trialed before being fitted to all our vehicles.
Try
To prove by experiment; to apply a test to, for the purpose of determining the quality; to examine; to prove; to test.
To try weights or measures by a standard;
To try a person's opinions
Trial
To try out (a new player) in a sports team.
The team trialled a new young goalkeeper in Saturday's match, with mixed results.
Try
(with indirect interrogative clause) To attempt to determine (by experiment or effort).
I'll try whether I can make it across town on foot.
Trial
The act of trying or testing in any manner.
Try
(legal) To put on trial.
He was tried and executed.
Trial
Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected.
[I] defy thee to the trial of mortal fight.
Try
To experiment, to strive.
Trial
The state of being tried or tempted; exposure to suffering that tests strength, patience, faith, or the like; affliction or temptation that exercises and proves the graces or virtues of men.
Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings.
Try
To have or gain knowledge of by experience.
Trial
The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions.
Try
To work on something with one's best effort and focus.
Dad, for fuck's sake, I'm trying my best!
You are trying too hard.
Trial
That which tries or afflicts; that which harasses; that which tries the character or principles; that which tempts to evil; as, his child's conduct was a sore trial.
Every station is exposed to some trials.
Try
(obsolete) To do; to fare.
How do you try! (i.e., how do you do?)
Trial
Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.
Try
To settle; to decide; to determine; specifically, to decide by an appeal to arms.
To try rival claims by a duel;
To try conclusions
Trial
The formal examination of the matter in issue in a cause before a competent tribunal; the mode of determining a question of fact in a court of law; the examination, in legal form, of the facts in issue in a cause pending before a competent tribunal, for the purpose of determining such issue.
Try
To attempt to conceive a child.
Trial
(law) legal proceedings consisting of the judicial examination of issues by a competent tribunal;
Most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial
Try
(nautical) To lie to in heavy weather under just sufficient sail to head into the wind.
Trial
The act of testing something;
In the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately
He called each flip of the coin a new trial
Try
To strain; to subject to excessive tests.
The light tries his eyes.
Repeated failures try one's patience.
Trial
(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications;
The trials for the semifinals began yesterday
Try
To want
I am really not trying to hear you talk about my mama like that.
Trial
(law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law;
He had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty
Try
An attempt.
I gave unicycling a try but I couldn’t do it.
Trial
Trying something to find out about it;
A sample for ten days free trial
A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
Try
An act of tasting or sampling.
I gave sushi a try but I didn’t like it.
Trial
An annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event;
His mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him
Life is full of tribulations
A visitation of the plague
Try
(rugby) A score in rugby league and rugby union, analogous to a touchdown in American football.
Today I scored my first try.
Trial
The act of undergoing testing;
He survived the great test of battle
Candidates must compete in a trial of skill
Try
A screen, or sieve, for grain.
Try
(American football) A field goal or extra point
Try
(chess) A move that almost solves a chess problem, except that Black has a unique defense.
Try
(obsolete) Fine, excellent.
Try
To divide or separate, as one sort from another; to winnow; to sift; to pick out; - frequently followed by out; as, to try out the wild corn from the good.
Try
To purify or refine, as metals; to melt out, and procure in a pure state, as oil, tallow, lard, etc.
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Try
To prove by experiment; to apply a test to, for the purpose of determining the quality; to examine; to prove; to test; as, to try weights or measures by a standard; to try a man's opinions.
Let the end try the man.
Try
To subject to severe trial; to put to the test; to cause suffering or trouble to.
Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased.
These are the times that try men's souls.
Try
To experiment with; to test by use; as, to try a remedy for disease; to try a horse.
Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.
To ease her cares the force of sleep she tries.
Try
To strain; to subject to excessive tests; as, the light tries his eyes; repeated disappointments try one's patience.
Try
To examine or investigate judicially; to examine by witnesses or other judicial evidence and the principles of law; as, to try a cause, or a criminal.
Try
To settle; to decide; to determine; specifically, to decide by an appeal to arms; as, to try rival claims by a duel; to try conclusions.
Left I the court, to see this quarrel tried.
Try
To experience; to have or gain knowledge of by experience.
Or try the Libyan heat or Scythian cold.
Try
To essay; to attempt; to endeavor.
Let us try . . . to found a path.
He first deceased: she for a little triedTo live without him; liked it not, and died.
Alack, I am afraid they have a waked,And 't is not done. The attempt, and not the deed,Confounds us.
Try
To exert strength; to endeavor; to make an effort or an attempt; as, you must try hard if you wish to learn.
Try
To do; to fare; as, how do you try!
Try
A screen, or sieve, for grain.
Try
Act of trying; attempt; experiment; trial.
This breaking of his has been but a try for his friends.
Try
In Rugby and Northern Union football, a score (counting three points) made by grounding the ball on or behind the opponent's goal line; - so called because it entitles the side making it to a place kick for a goal (counting two points more if successful).
Try
Refined; select; excellent; choice.
Try
Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something;
Made an effort to cover all the reading material
Wished him luck in his endeavor
She gave it a good try
Try
Make an effort or attempt;
He tried to shake off his fears
The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
The police attempted to stop the thief
He sought to improve himself
She always seeks to do good in the world
Try
Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to;
This approach has been tried with good results
Test this recipe
Try
Put on trial or hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of;
The football star was tried for the murder of his wife
The judge tried both father and son in separate trials
Try
Take a sample of;
Try these new crackers
Sample the regional dishes
Try
Examine or hear (evidence or a case) by judicial process;
The jury had heard all the evidence
The case will be tried in California
Try
Give pain or trouble to;
I've been sorely tried by these students
Try
Test the limits of;
You are trying my patience!
Try
Melt (fat, lard, etc.) in order to separate out impurities;
Try the yak butter
Render fat in a casserole
Try
Put on a garment in order to see whether it fits and looks nice;
Try on this sweater to see how it looks
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to try something?
To try something means to make an attempt or effort at doing it.
What is a trial?
A trial is a formal process in a court of law where a case is heard and decided.
Are trials only found in criminal cases?
No, trials can be criminal or civil, dealing with disputes ranging from crimes to personal injuries.
How do trials impact society?
Trials impact society by resolving disputes, setting legal precedents, and upholding justice.
How does a trial ensure fairness?
A trial ensures fairness through the impartial examination of evidence, legal arguments, and adherence to legal standards.
What roles do people play in a trial?
In a trial, roles include the judge, jury, defendant, plaintiff, and legal representatives.
What's the difference between a trial and a test?
A trial is a formal legal process, while a test is an attempt to measure or evaluate something's qualities.
Why is it important to try new strategies in problem-solving?
Trying new strategies can uncover effective solutions that traditional methods might miss.
What motivates people to try new things?
Curiosity, the desire for improvement, and the pursuit of success can motivate people to try new things.
Can trying something lead to significant discoveries?
Yes, trying new methods or ideas can lead to significant discoveries and innovations.
How important is the act of trying in personal growth?
Trying is essential for personal growth, as it leads to learning from successes and failures.
Is trying new things risky?
Trying new things can be risky, but it is often necessary for growth and discovery.
Can anyone participate in a trial?
Participation in a trial is typically limited to legal professionals and the parties involved in the case.
Is it possible to try too hard?
Yes, trying too hard can lead to burnout or frustration, highlighting the importance of balance.
Can trials have outcomes that affect the public?
Yes, trial outcomes can set legal precedents, influence laws, and impact public opinion.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
