trial
Trial (noun) means a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute. Example: “The trial lasted three weeks before the jury reached a verdict.”
How to use trial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA test of something (a product, a person's ability, a claim), or a court case that decides guilt or liability.
Word forms
trialed past tense, trialled past tense, trials plural, trials plural, trials singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ lasted three weeks before the jury reached a verdict.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman trial, from trier, "to test, sort, pick out" — the same French root behind triage.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for trial
See all rhymes for trial →Frequently asked questions
What does “trial” mean?
The word “trial” means a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute. In plain terms, a test of something (a product, a person's ability, a claim), or a court case that decides guilt or liability.
How do you pronounce “trial”?
“Trial” is pronounced TREYE-uhl (/ˈtɹaɪəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “trial” in a sentence?
Here is “trial” used in a sentence: “The trial lasted three weeks before the jury reached a verdict.”
What part of speech is “trial”?
Depending on how it is used, “trial” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “trial” come from?
The word “trial” comes from French. From Anglo-Norman trial, from trier, "to test, sort, pick out" — the same French root behind triage.
Is “trial” a common word?
“Trial” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “trial” have?
“Trial” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute.
What is the difference between a trial and a hearing?
A hearing is usually a shorter, preliminary court session that settles a specific issue or procedural question, often before a judge alone. A trial is the full examination of evidence, with witnesses and arguments, that reaches a final verdict on guilt or liability. A trial is broader and more conclusive.
What is the difference between a civil and a criminal trial?
A criminal trial decides whether someone is guilty of a crime, is brought by the state, and can lead to punishment such as prison. A civil trial resolves disputes between people or organizations, often over money or rights, deciding liability rather than guilt. Their standards of proof also differ.
What are the main stages of a trial?
A typical trial moves through jury selection, opening statements, the presentation of evidence and witness testimony, cross-examination, closing arguments, the judge's instructions, and finally the verdict. Each stage lets both sides present and challenge evidence before a decision on guilt or liability is reached.
What is the difference between a trial and a lawsuit?
A lawsuit is the entire legal case, from filing a complaint through to its resolution. A trial is one stage within it — the formal courtroom examination of evidence before a verdict. Many lawsuits are settled or dismissed and never actually reach the trial stage at all.
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