# tried

/ˈtɹaɪd/ (US) · /tɹˈaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tried
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. made an effort

verb · CEFR A1

the past tense of 'try', used when you made an effort to do something.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. proven and reliable

adjective · CEFR B2

tested and proven to be good or effective over a long time.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. judged in court

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

having been officially judged in a court of law.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. tested something

verb · CEFR A2

the past tense of 'try', meaning you tested something to see if it worked or if you liked it.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The lawyer tried to prove that his client was innocent.
- The defendant was tried in a federal court for crimes committed across state lines.
- Although the prosecution tried several different strategies to sway the jury, the evidence remained insufficient to secure a conviction in the case being tried.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.