What is trial? Pronunciation and usage in English

trial means . Learn how to pronounce and use trial through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of trial

trialnoun

/ˈtrʌɪəl/
Definition & pronunciation of trial

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "trial" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends a bit on where you are (American vs. British English).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪ.əl/ (try-uhl)
  • Breakdown:
    • "Try": As in "try" yourself. Focus on that quick, short "try" sound.
    • "Uh": A short, unstressed "uh" sound, like the "uh" in "about."
    • "L": A soft "l" sound.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /traɪ.əl/ (try-uhl) - Very similar to American English.
  • Often, the 'i' sound is slightly shorter and more clipped. It doesn't have the same wide, open "uh" sound as it can in American English.

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

To summarize: Think of it as "try-uhl" – a quick "try" followed by a short "uh" sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using "trial"?

Usage and examples with the word trial in English

Let's break down how to use the word "trial" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Legal Trial (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A formal legal procedure where a judge and jury decide whether a person accused of a crime is guilty or innocent.
  • Examples:
    • "The defendant faced a lengthy trial in court."
    • "The prosecution presented evidence during the trial."
    • "The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence during the trial."
  • Related Words: jury, defendant, prosecutor, evidence, verdict, judge

2. A Test or Experiment

  • Meaning: A process of testing something to see if it works or is suitable. This can be in many fields – science, business, relationships, etc.
  • Examples:
    • "We're conducting a trial run of the new software." (Testing it out)
    • "The company is doing a trial period with the new marketing strategy." (Testing its effectiveness)
    • "He went through a trial by fire in his first job." (A difficult and challenging experience)
    • "The scientist performed a trial on the new drug." (Experimenting with it)
  • Related Words: test, experiment, pilot, phase, period, run

3. A Difficult Experience or Period

  • Meaning: A tough time, especially one involving hardship or suffering.
  • Examples:
    • "She went through a painful trial after the loss of her husband." (A difficult emotional experience)
    • "The company faced numerous trials and tribulations during the economic downturn." (Hardship and challenges)
    • "He’s passed many trials in his life, but he’s always come through." (Refers to overcoming difficulties)
  • Related Words: hardship, difficulty, challenge, struggle, suffering, adversity

4. A First Attempt (Often used with "trial and error")

  • Meaning: An initial attempt to do something, often followed by mistakes and corrections.
  • Examples:
    • "He approached the problem using the trial and error method."
    • "The architect used a trial design to visualize the building."
  • Related Words: error, mistake, attempt, experiment

5. A Religious Trial (Historically)

  • Meaning: (Less common today) A formal religious test, often to determine if someone is worthy of membership in a church. This usage is increasingly rare.
  • Example: "The early Christians faced a trial of faith."

Tips for Using "Trial" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "trial" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the overall situation.
  • Consider synonyms: If you're unsure, think about a synonym that better fits the meaning you want to convey (e.g., test, experiment, difficulty, challenge).

Could you tell me more about why you're interested in using the word "trial"? Knowing the context (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I need to use it in an email," "I'm studying legal terms") will help me give you even more targeted advice.

Synonyms for the word trial

Idioms of the word trial

trial and error
the process of solving a problem by trying various methods until you find a method that is successful
  • Children learn to use computer programs by trial and error.

Practice with vocabulary trial

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The defense attorney requested a bench _______ instead of a jury one.
  2. Before launching the new feature, we plan to conduct a thorough user _______ involving a select group of participants.
  3. The marketing team made a valiant _______ to boost sales, but their efforts did not yield the desired results.
  4. During the initial _______, stakeholders presented their concerns about the project's scope and budget.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The company decided to conduct a _______ of the new software with a small group of users before its official release. a) inspection b) test c) trial d) survey
  2. The defendant demanded a jury _______ to clear his name. a) hearing b) trial c) arbitration d) deliberation
  3. His journey through medical school was a severe _______ of his commitment and perseverance. a) trial b) challenge c) ordeal d) test
  4. Before implementing the new policy, the team will present its initial _______ at the departmental meeting. a) findings b) suggestions c) proposals d) recommendations
  5. She made a determined _______ to learn a new language before her trip abroad. a) attempt b) endeavor c) effort d) venture

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization is currently testing a new approach to remote work. (Use "trial" or related forms)
  2. The suspect will soon appear in court to face charges. (Use "trial" or related forms)
  3. Despite numerous problems, the project team managed to complete the assignment on time. (Do NOT use "trial")

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The defense attorney requested a bench trial instead of a jury one.
  2. Before launching the new feature, we plan to conduct a thorough user trial involving a select group of participants.
  3. The marketing team made a valiant attempt to boost sales, but their efforts did not yield the desired results.
  4. During the initial discussion, stakeholders presented their concerns about the project's scope and budget.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company decided to conduct a test / trial of the new software with a small group of users before its official release. (b) test, (c) trial
  2. The defendant demanded a jury trial to clear his name. (b) trial
  3. His journey through medical school was a severe trial / challenge / ordeal / test of his commitment and perseverance. (a) trial, (b) challenge, (c) ordeal, (d) test
  4. Before implementing the new policy, the team will present its initial findings / suggestions / proposals / recommendations at the departmental meeting. (a) findings, (b) suggestions, (c) proposals, (d) recommendations (All are plausible depending on context, and none use 'trial'.)
  5. She made a determined attempt / endeavor / effort to learn a new language before her trip abroad. (a) attempt, (b) endeavor, (c) effort

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization is currently conducting a trial of a new approach to remote work.
  2. The suspect will soon stand trial to face charges.
  3. Despite numerous challenges, the project team managed to complete the assignment on time.

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