trial
n. · v. · adj.-
1 legal process (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Lawa formal meeting in a court where a judge or jury decides if someone is guilty of a crime.
a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.
ExampleThe murder trial lasted for three weeks before the jury reached a verdict.
ExampleThe high-profile fraud trial was adjourned until Monday to allow the defense team more time to review the newly discovered financial records.
-
2 a test of quality (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea test to see how well someone or something performs before making a final decision.
a formal or systematic test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.
ExampleThe company is offering a free 30-day trial of their new software.
ExampleClinical trials for the new vaccine were expanded to include a broader demographic to ensure its efficacy across different age groups.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 a difficult experience (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya person or situation that is very difficult to deal with or tests your patience.
a person, experience, or situation that tests a person's endurance, patience, or faith.
ExampleLiving in such a small apartment with four roommates was a real trial.
ExampleThe long winter proved to be a severe trial for the isolated community, testing their resources and their resolve to the limit.
-
4 to test something (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto test a new product or way of doing things to see if it is successful.
to subject a product, process, or person to a series of tests to evaluate performance or suitability.
ExampleThe school is trialling a new lunch menu to see if the students like it.
ExampleThe hospital began trialling the automated patient-monitoring system in the intensive care unit before considering a facility-wide rollout.
-
5 experimental (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateused for a test or for a short time to see if something works.
relating to a test or done on a provisional basis to assess effectiveness.
ExampleThey are running a trial period for the new flexible working hours.
ExampleThe trial separation allowed the couple to evaluate their relationship without the immediate pressure of divorce proceedings.
From Middle English trial, triall, from Anglo-Norman trial, triel, from trier (“to pick out, cull”) + -al. More at English try.
From Latin tri- (stem of trēs (“three”)) + -al, on the pattern of dual.
- 01
make trial of
To check the quality, reliability, performance or genuineness of (something or someone).
- 02
stand trial
To sustain the trial or examination of a cause; not to give up without trial.
- 03
trial balloon
An idea, suggestion, or prospective action, product, etc., offered to an audience or group in order to test whether it generates acceptance or interest.