Tryout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tryout

[ˈtraɪˌaʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

A tryout is a test or trial to assess someone's suitability for a particular role or position, especially in sports.

Synonyms

audition, evaluation, screening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tryout	Used mainly in sports or performing arts to describe a test or competition to join a team or a show. She went to the basketball tryout to see if she could make the team The theater held tryouts for the upcoming play
audition	Specific to performing arts like acting, singing, or dancing to show your talent in hopes of getting a role or position. He practiced his monologue for the audition The dancer was excited to audition for the lead role in the musical
screening	Often used in medical, security, or hiring contexts to check for specific issues or qualifications. The airport security screening took longer than expected The company is conducting screenings to hire the right candidate
evaluation	General process of assessing someone’s skills, performance, or abilities, often used in academic or job settings. The annual employee evaluation will be next week The student's performance was under evaluation by the teachers

Examples of usage

She impressed the coach during the tryout and earned a spot on the team.
Players are expected to give their best performance during the tryout.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

performing arts

A tryout is a preliminary test performance, often in front of judges or directors, to determine suitability for a role in a play, musical, or other performance.

Synonyms

audition, casting, screen test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tryout	Typically refers to a performance or test where someone demonstrates their skills, often in sports, theater, or a competitive activity to gain a position or role. She passed the tryout and was selected for the basketball team. The school's drama club held tryouts for the spring play.
audition	Commonly used in the context of the performing arts such as acting, singing, or dancing, where individuals perform a piece in front of judges to be selected for a particular role or position. She attended an audition to win a part in the new musical. Many actors auditioned for the role in the upcoming film.
casting	Refers to the process of selecting actors or performers for specific roles, often managed by a casting director or team. This term is more industry-specific to film, TV, and stage production. The casting for the new TV series took several months. They had open casting calls for extras in the movie.
screen test	Specific to the film and television industry where an actor performs on camera to check their suitability for a particular role. This often includes both acting and visual assessment aspects. The actor had to do a screen test before being confirmed for the leading role. Her screen test impressed the directors and secured her the part.

Examples of usage

The actor nailed his tryout and got the lead role in the play.
Many aspiring singers participate in tryouts for talent shows.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

sports

To tryout means to participate in a trial or test to demonstrate one's skills and suitability for a team or position.

Synonyms

audition, screen, test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tryout	Repetition of the first entry.
audition	Primarily used in the performing arts (theater, dance, music) to describe a formal process where individuals perform to secure a role or position. She auditioned for the role of Juliet in the upcoming play The singer was nervous about her audition for the band
screen	Often used in the context of films or TV to describe the process of testing actors for parts. It can also refer to evaluating candidates for a specific position or purpose. The director screened several actors for the leading role They need to screen candidates carefully before hiring
test	General term used in various situations to evaluate knowledge, skills, or performance. He needs to pass the driving test to get his license The company asked him to take a skills test during the interview

Examples of usage

He is trying out for the basketball team this weekend.
She tried out for the dance team and made it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

In athletics, tryouts often determine the best players for a team, showcasing skills through drills and competitions.
Many universities hold tryouts every season for sports teams, which can be a nerve-wracking yet exciting experience for participants.
Notable athletes often recall their tryouts as critical moments that shaped their careers, reflecting the pressure to perform.

Theater and Performing Arts

In the performing arts, tryouts or auditions serve as a way to find actors for roles in plays, musicals, or films.
Directors look for diverse talents during tryouts, often using improvisation to assess an actor's creativity.
Many famous actors have faced numerous tryouts before landing their breakthrough roles, shaping their journey in the entertainment industry.

Education and Development

Sometimes, schools conduct tryouts for clubs and teams to encourage students to engage in healthy competition.
Tryouts can also be opportunities for personal growth, helping participants build confidence and resilience.
It teaches valuable life skills, like teamwork and perseverance, regardless of the outcome.

Cultural References

Reality shows and talent competitions often feature tryouts, showcasing a variety of talents from singing to dancing.
Movies about sports or performing arts frequently depict the emotional journey surrounding tryouts, making it a relatable theme.
The concept of tryouts is common in different cultures, adapted to fit local sports or performing traditions.

Origin of 'tryout'

Main points about word origin

The term 'tryout' combines 'try,' meaning to attempt, and 'out,' implying testing or experimentation.
It was first used in the early 20th century, becoming popular in sports and performing arts.
Originally, the word 'try' implies testing something in a practical way, and the addition of 'out' emphasizes the evaluation aspect.

The term 'tryout' originated in the early 20th century, combining the words 'try' and 'out'. It initially gained popularity in the context of sports, where athletes were evaluated through trials or tests. Over time, the concept of tryouts expanded to other fields such as performing arts, where individuals showcase their skills for opportunities. Today, tryouts remain an integral part of talent assessment processes across various industries.