Trial

Definition

Trial refers to the process of testing or evaluating something, particularly in legal, scientific, or experimental contexts. It can also mean a formal examination of evidence in a court of law to determine guilt or innocence.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪ.əl/ or /ˈtraɪl/
• Respelling: TRY-uhl or TRYLE

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪ.əl/
• Respelling: TRY-uhl

Etymology

The word "trial" originates from Old French "trial" or "trier," meaning "to sift or pick out," derived from Late Latin "tritare," meaning "to rub or wear away." It entered English in the late 14th century, primarily in the context of testing or proving something.

Derivatives

• Trialling (verb)
• Retrial (noun)
• Trialed (verb, American spelling)
• Trialist (noun)
• Untried (adjective)

Synonyms

• Test
• Experiment
• Hearing

Antonyms

• Certainty
• Conclusion
• Solution

Usage

The word "trial" is commonly used in legal, scientific, and personal contexts. In law, it refers to the judicial process, e.g., "The trial lasted for two weeks." In science, it indicates experimental testing, e.g., "The drug is in clinical trials." It can also refer to challenges or hardships, e.g., "Life’s trials teach us resilience."

Related Terms

• Test: A procedure for assessing performance or quality.
• Experiment: A scientific procedure to test a hypothesis.
• Hearing: A formal meeting to examine evidence in legal contexts.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A formal examination of evidence in a court of law: Refers to the judicial process to determine guilt or innocence.
  • Example: "The defendant faced a criminal trial for theft."
• An experimental test or evaluation: Refers to a process of testing something for effectiveness or performance.
  • Example: "The vaccine underwent rigorous clinical trials before approval."
• A challenging or difficult experience: Refers to hardships or adversities faced in life.
  • Example: "The journey was filled with many trials, but he persevered."

Adjective

• Relating to or serving as a trial or test: Refers to the preliminary phase of testing or assessment.
  • Example: "The trial version of the software allows users to test its features."