Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To test something experimentally: To use or experience something for the first time to evaluate its quality, performance, or suitability.
   • To undergo a test or audition: To perform or be tested in order to qualify for a role, position, or team.

Usage

• The core meaning of try out is to test something or someone, or to be tested, often in a trial context. It implies an experimental phase to determine fitness, quality, or personal experience.
• It is commonly used with objects (e.g., try out a car) or reflexively (e.g., try out for a team). The preposition "for" is used when referring to attempting to qualify for something.

Examples

• Verb (transitive):
  • You should try out the new software before buying the full version. (You should test the new software experimentally.)
  • I'm going to try out a new recipe for dinner tonight. (I'm going to test a new recipe by cooking it.)
• Verb (intransitive, with "for"):
  • She will try out for the lead role in the school play. (She will audition/test her skills to get the lead role.)
  • Over fifty athletes came to try out for the basketball team. (Over fifty athletes came to be tested for a spot on the team.)

Advanced Usage

• "To try something out on someone": To test someone's reaction to an idea, joke, or product.
  • The comedian tried out his new material on a small audience first. (The comedian tested his new jokes experimentally with a small audience.)
• The phrasal verb can be separated: "try it out," "try the new model out."

Variants and Related Words

• Trial (n): A test of performance, qualities, or suitability.
• Audition (n/v): A trial performance by an actor, singer, etc.
• Test (v): To take measures to check the quality, performance, or reliability of something.
• Experiment (v): To try out new ideas, methods, or activities.

Synonyms

• Test: To put to the proof or examine.
• Sample: To try or experience a part of something.
• Audition: To perform a trial to demonstrate skill for a role.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Try on: To put on clothing to see if it fits.
• Try for: To attempt to achieve or obtain.

Related Idioms

• Give it a try/whirl: To attempt something.
• Try one's hand at: To attempt to do something for the first time.

Verb

1. take a sample of
   • Try these new crackers
   • Sample the regional dishes
2. perform in order to get a role
   • She auditioned for a role on Broadway
3. try something new, as in order to gain experience
   • Students experiment sexually
   • The composer experimented with a new style
4. put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
   • This approach has been tried with good results
   • Test this recipe