Language Research

trial · noun C or U

/trɑɪl/Full view

trial (IN COURT)

B2 a legal process to decide if someone is guilty of a crime

Dictionary examples:

The two men are now on trial for attempted murder.

He will be taken to the US to stand trial.

Trial by jury is a fundamental right.

It was a very complicated trial that went on for months.

the trial proceedings

Learner example:

The trial was long and had wide coverage [in the] media. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

trial (TEST)

C1 a test of something new to find out if it is safe, works correctly, etc.

Dictionary examples:

They're doing clinical trials on a new drug.

They've employed her for a six-month trial period.

Learner example:

At the moment we have [a] special offer which is a free three-month trial period, so you can have an idea of how the Club works. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

trial and error

C2 a way of learning the best way to do something by trying different methods

Dictionary example:

There aren't any instructions with it - it's just a matter of trial and error.

Learner example:

If you don't know the past, you're liable to live through it again as instead of deriving the lessons from someone else's experiences, you'll have to learn them the hard way, by trial and error. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

stand trial

C2 If someone stands trial, they appear in a law court where people decide if they are guilty of a crime.

Dictionary examples:

Berenson will stand trial next month in the county court.

to stand trial for treason

Learner example:

He was going there in order to arrest Christians and bring them to Jerusalem to stand trial for their treason. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)