# Tris

CEFR C2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tris
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

three times. It is a very formal or old-fashioned way to say that something happens or is done three times.

For teachers: three times in succession or degree. A rare, archaic, or highly formal alternative to 'thrice', typically used in specific technical or literary contexts.

## Examples

- The bell rang tris to signal the end.
- In the ancient ritual, the priest would bow tris before the altar to show his devotion.
- The poet employed the word tris to maintain the archaic meter of the stanza, emphasizing the three distinct stages of the protagonist's journey through the underworld.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb it modifies; extremely rare in modern spoken English.

---

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.