Trying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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trying

[หˆtraษชษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a sentence

make an attempt or effort to do something

Synonyms

attempt, endeavor, strive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trying

Can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is difficult or troublesome.

  • The last few months have been very trying for her.
  • Dealing with the loss was a trying experience.
attempt

Usually refers to an effort to achieve something difficult or substantial, and often implies there's a possibility of failure.

  • He made an attempt to climb Mount Everest last year.
  • Her attempt to bake a cake wasn't successful.
endeavor

A formal term for a serious and determined effort, often used in professional or academic contexts.

  • Their endeavor to map the human genome has been groundbreaking.
  • The scientist's endeavor led to a significant discovery.
strive

Implies a strong effort towards achieving something challenging, with a focus on determination and persistence.

  • She strives to be the best in her field.
  • He strives for excellence in all his work.

Examples of usage

  • She was trying to control her emotions.
  • He is trying to learn Spanish before his trip.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sentence

to test, prove, or see how something works

Synonyms

evaluate, experiment, test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trying

Used in casual language when someone is making an effort or attempting to achieve something.

  • I am trying to learn a new language.
  • He is trying to improve his cooking skills.
test

Used when examining the functionality, quality, or performance of something through trials or when assessing knowledge or skill through questions.

  • The engineers will test the new software to ensure it works correctly.
  • She needs to study hard for the math test next week.
experiment

Used when conducting a scientific procedure or test to discover something unknown or to test a hypothesis.

  • The scientists conducted an experiment to test the new drug.
  • We can experiment with different ingredients to see which combination tastes best.
evaluate

Used when you need to assess or judge the value, quality, or performance of something, often in a formal or systematic way.

  • The teacher will evaluate the students' progress at the end of the semester.
  • We need to evaluate the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy.

Examples of usage

  • I am trying this new recipe for dinner tonight.
  • The scientist is trying a new method to solve the problem.
Context #3 | Noun

in a sentence

an effort to accomplish something; an attempt

Synonyms

attempt, effort, endeavor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trying

Used as an adjective to describe something that is difficult or causing strain, often with a negative connotation.

  • The last few months have been very trying for everyone
  • This is a trying time for the entire family
attempt

Used when referring to a specific act of trying to achieve something, often with a sense of uncertainty of the outcome.

  • His first attempt to climb the mountain was unsuccessful
  • She made an attempt to solve the puzzle
effort

Emphasizes the amount of physical or mental energy put into an activity or task.

  • Your effort in this project is commendable
  • It takes a lot of effort to run a marathon
endeavor

Implies a serious, sustained, or vigorous effort towards a goal, often used in formal contexts.

  • Their endeavor to improve community health has been successful
  • Scientific endeavors have led to amazing discoveries

Examples of usage

  • His try at the goal was unsuccessful.
  • She gave it a try, but it didn't work out.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Effortful pursuits like 'trying' can significantly impact motivation and perceived success.
  • Studies suggest that the act of trying can alter brain chemistry, leading to increased dopamine levels when achieving small goals.
  • Belief in the importance of trying can improve resilience and coping strategies during challenges.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Iโ€™m trying my best' is commonly used in films and TV shows to express determination in the face of failure.
  • Music often encapsulates the spirit of trying, with many songs celebrating struggle and perseverance.
  • The popular saying 'Try, try again' emphasizes the value of persistence, appearing in various cultural contexts.

Education

  • In educational settings, encouraging students to engage in trying rather than focusing solely on success promotes a growth mindset.
  • Teachers often use project-based learning to help students experience 'trying' through hands-on activities.
  • Research shows that valuing effort leads to better learning outcomes and persistence in students.

Philosophy

  • 'Trying' is often discussed in philosophical contexts concerning effort and the meaning of action in achieving goals.
  • Existential thinkers argue that the effort itself can give life meaning, transcending mere outcomes.
  • The notion of 'trying' reflects human experiences of struggle, purpose, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Origin of 'trying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trying' comes from the Old French 'trier,' meaning to sift or to sort.
  • It was used in English as early as the 14th century to describe testing something to see if it was good or not.
  • Initially, the term related more to testing qualities than the act of putting in effort.

The word 'trying' comes from the Middle English word 'triynge', which means to attempt or test. Over time, the meaning evolved to include making an effort or endeavor. The word has been used in English since the 14th century and has remained a common term to describe efforts, attempts, or tests.


See also: retry, try, tryout, untried.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,064, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.