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trial
/ˈtraɪ.əl/
a test or experiment
The company conducted a trial of the new software before its official release.
They tested the software to see if it worked properly before making it available to the public.
general
a test or experiment to see if something works or is effective
The scientist ran a trial to test the effectiveness of the new drug.
The scientist conducted an experiment to see if the drug worked.
Often used in scientific, medical, or business contexts.
Law
formal
a legal proceeding to determine guilt or innocence in a court of law
The defendant faced a trial for theft.
The person accused of stealing went to court to be judged.
In legal contexts, a trial involves presenting evidence and arguments before a judge or jury.
Business
Business
a period of testing or probation, often for a new employee or product
The company offered a 30-day trial period for new hires.
New employees had a month to prove themselves before being fully hired.
Common in employment and product marketing.
Collocations
trial perioda temporary time to test somethingtrial and errora method of learning by trying different thingstrial runa test of something before its official use
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. General Use
Remember that 'trial' can mean both a legal case and a test. Context helps determine the meaning.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
In legal contexts, 'trial' refers to a court case. In other contexts, it means a test or experiment.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'trial,' from Old French 'trial,' from Latin 'trialis,' meaning 'of three,' related to 'trial' as a test or ordeal.
Usage Notes
The word 'trial' can refer to both legal proceedings and general tests. In legal contexts, it specifically means a court case. In everyday language, it often refers to testing something new.
Word Breakdown
trial
a test or examination
rootEnglish Dictionary