Trial Meaning

UK /ˈtraɪəl/
US /ˈtraɪəl/
Word Definition
trial meaning

Trial Definition & Usage

noun

A formal examination of evidence in a court, typically with a judge and jury, to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant.

Examples

  • "The trial lasted for several weeks before the verdict was announced."
  • "She was nervous as her trial date approached, unsure of what the outcome would be."
  • "The defendant's lawyer argued that the trial was biased from the start."
  • "A trial by jury ensures that the case is judged fairly by a group of peers."
  • "The judge called for a brief recess during the trial to review new evidence."
noun

A test or experiment conducted to evaluate something, such as the performance of a product, person, or system.

Examples

  • "The new car model underwent a series of trials before it was released to the public."
  • "She participated in a clinical trial to test a new medication."
  • "The software went through a trial period where users could report bugs."
  • "The trial run of the new bus service was a success, leading to its full launch."
  • "After several trials, the team concluded that their theory was correct."
noun

A challenging or difficult experience or series of events in a person's life.

Examples

  • "The loss of his job was a trial, but he emerged stronger."
  • "They faced many trials during their journey across the desert."
  • "Her trial with illness made her more determined than ever to succeed."
  • "Life is often full of trials, but perseverance can lead to triumph."
  • "The young athlete’s trial in the championship was a defining moment in her career."
verb

To test something in order to assess its suitability, quality, or performance.

Examples

  • "They trialed the new feature with a small group of users before releasing it globally."
  • "Before launching the product, the company will trial it in a select market."
  • "He decided to trial a new method of teaching to see if it improved student engagement."
  • "The doctors will trial different treatments to find the most effective one for the patient."
  • "The team has been trialing new equipment for months to ensure it's ready for the competition."

Cultural Context

The word 'trial' comes from the Latin 'trialis,' which means 'of or relating to a trial.' It has been in use since the Middle Ages, primarily in legal contexts. Over time, it evolved to also represent various forms of testing or challenges in other fields.

The Trial of the Heart

Story

The Trial of the Heart

In a small, coastal village, there was a young woman named Clara who had always dreamed of opening her own bakery. Despite her talent for baking and her passion for pastries, she faced numerous trials along the way. First, her bakery was denied a permit due to zoning issues. Then, she struggled to secure funding, and her first attempt at opening the shop ended in failure. It seemed that every door she tried to open was shut in her face. Clara had always known that starting a business would be a challenge, but she had never imagined the sheer number of obstacles she would face. The trials weren’t just external, they were personal too. Her best friend, Sarah, who had supported her through everything, grew concerned and suggested Clara might want to give up. 'Maybe it's just not meant to be,' Sarah said, trying to be supportive, but Clara felt a pang of guilt. But Clara refused to give up. Each failure became a lesson, a trial she could learn from. She decided to trial a new business model—offering custom cakes for weddings and events, which would allow her to focus on high-end, niche orders. Slowly, her reputation grew, and soon enough, Clara found herself opening her dream bakery. On opening day, Clara stood in front of the bakery, staring at the sign that read 'Clara's Sweet Shop.' She had finally passed her trials and emerged victorious. She couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction as she thought back on all the struggles she had overcome. 'Life isn’t always easy,' she thought, 'but it’s the trials that make us stronger.'

The Trial of the Heart