verb

try

Translation

to attempt, to test, to make an effort

I will try to come early.

You should try the new soup.

He is trying his best.

((to-inf)) to attempt to do (sth.) I will try to finish it.

((-ing)) to do (sth.) as an experiment Why don't you try asking him?

((sth.)) to test or sample (sth.) Have you tried the new coffee?

Synonyms: attempt, endeavor, test, sample

From Old French 'trier' meaning 'to sift, sort out'.

Imagine you 'try' on a T-shirt to see if it fits. This connects to the meaning of testing something.