ALL meanings of pretry
try
P p - verb with object pretry to attempt to do or accomplish: Try it before you say it's simple. 1
- verb with object pretry to test the effect or result of (often followed by out): to try a new method; to try a recipe out. 1
- verb with object pretry to endeavor to evaluate by experiment or experience: to try a new field; to try a new book. 1
- verb with object pretry to test the quality, value, fitness, accuracy, etc., of: Will you try a spoonful of this and tell me what you think of it? 1
- verb with object pretry Law. to examine and determine judicially, as a cause; determine judicially the guilt or innocence of (a person). 1
- verb with object pretry to put to a severe test; subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, or trouble; tax: to try one's patience. 1
- verb with object pretry to attempt to open (a door, window, etc.) in order to find out whether it is locked: Try all the doors before leaving. 1
- verb with object pretry to melt down (fat, blubber, etc.) to obtain the oil; render (usually followed by out). 1
- verb with object pretry Archaic. to determine the truth or right of (a quarrel or question) by test or battle (sometimes followed by out). to find to be right by test or experience. 1
- verb without object pretry to make an attempt or effort; strive: Try to complete the examination. 1
- verb without object pretry Nautical. to lie to in heavy weather under just sufficient sail to head into the wind. 1
- noun plural pretry an attempt or effort: to have a try at something. 1
- noun plural pretry Rugby. a score of three points earned by advancing the ball to or beyond the opponents' goal line. 1
- idioms pretry give it the old college try, Informal. to make a sincere effort: I gave it the old college try and finally found an apartment. 1
- idioms pretry try it / that on, Chiefly British Informal. to put on airs: She's been trying it on ever since the inheritance came through. to be forward or presumptuous, especially with a member of the opposite sex: She avoided him after he'd tried it on with her. 1