Word
tried
US/ˈtɹaɪd/
UK/tɹˈaɪd/
Definitions
01made an effort
A1 · Beginner
v. the past tense of 'try', used when you made an effort to do something.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'try', indicating a past attempt or effort to achieve a goal.
“I tried to call you three times yesterday, but your phone was off.”
“The research team tried several different chemical combinations before finally identifying the one that remained stable at room temperature.”
Synonyms
02proven and reliable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. tested and proven to be good or effective over a long time.
adj. having been tested and found to be reliable, effective, or trustworthy through experience.
“Using a map is a tried and tested way to find your way in the woods.”
“The company relies on tried and trusted manufacturing techniques that have ensured the durability of their products for decades.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03judged in court
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal
adj. having been officially judged in a court of law.
adj. having undergone a formal judicial examination or trial in a court of law.
“The man was tried for the crime and found not guilty.”
“Under the current legal system, the defendant must be tried by a jury of their peers to ensure a fair and impartial verdict.”
Synonyms
04tested something
A2 · Elementary
v. the past tense of 'try', meaning you tested something to see if it worked or if you liked it.
v. the past tense of 'try', used to indicate the act of testing the quality, effect, or appeal of something.
“She tried the soup and decided it needed a little more salt.”
“The pilot tried the new navigation system during a short flight to ensure all the sensors were calibrated correctly.”
Real-World Examples
“When I tried to contact some of these profiles using my own account, some of them directed me to the same WhatsApp numbers or email addresses.” “Annie said she and her partner also tried to get their house chores done before about 10:00 "so I can sit still and stay cool the rest of the day".” Etymology
From Middle English tried, tryed, equivalent to try + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. tried and tested
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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