trial
TRAHY-uhl
/ˈtraɪəl/
A formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.
Refers to the entire legal process in court, not just a single event. It's the 'testing' of the case.
The story behind the word. The word 'trial' comes to us from Anglo-Norman French 'triel,' which itself is derived from 'trier,' meaning 'to try, to choose, to sift.' Imagine a farmer sifting grain to separate the good from the bad; that's the ancient image behind a trial, where the truth is carefully sifted from the evidence to determine guilt or innocence.
Word relationships
- hearing: A hearing is generally less formal than a trial, often shorter, and may not involve a jury, focusing on specific legal points.
- case: A case is the entire legal matter, which may or may not proceed to a full trial.
- settlement: A settlement resolves a dispute outside of a formal trial, often through negotiation.
Commonly confused with
- hearing: A 'trial' is a full, formal legal process to determine guilt or liability, often with a jury. A 'hearing' is typically a shorter, less formal proceeding before a judge or administrative body to address specific issues.
Word family
- trials (noun): plural of trial
Collocations
- fair trial
- criminal trial
- civil trial
- mock trial
- stand trial
Idioms & expressions
- trial and error
- on trial
Example sentences
- "The highly anticipated criminal trial of the former CEO began with jury selection, drawing national media attention." Describing a significant legal event.
- "Every person accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial, where evidence can be presented and scrutinized." Discussing the purpose of a trial.
Memory hook
Think of a 'TRI-angle' of justice: the judge, jury, and lawyers all 'TRY' to find the truth in the 'TRIAL'. TRI-angle of justice
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'experiment' or 'test' in a scientific or general sense, though the root meaning is similar.
Fun facts
- The concept of a 'trial by ordeal' (e.g., walking on hot coals) was an early form of trial in some cultures, believed to reveal divine judgment.
- The phrase 'trial and error' reflects the original sense of 'trial' as a test or experiment.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.