try on — to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits or looks good before buying or wearing it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits or looks good before buying or wearing it
Pronunciation (IPA): /traɪ ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- My girlfriend spent three hours trying on wedding dresses and I aged five years waiting outside.
- The customer tried on the expensive coat and suddenly walked with more confidence.
- He tried on his father's suit for the interview, but looked like a kid playing dress-up.
try on
VERB[/traɪ ɑːn/]
to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits or looks good before buying or wearing it
She decided to try on the red dress before the wedding.
Try on a dress, but someone's spy on!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Try derives from Old French trier, meaning 'to sort' or 'to sift,' while on comes from Old English on, meaning 'upon' or 'at.' The phrasal verb combines these elements to express the act of placing clothing on one's body to examine its fit or appearance.
Breakdown
try (from Old French trier: to select or sort) + on (from Old English on: upon or at), forming a phrasal verb meaning to test or evaluate by wearing.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My girlfriend spent three hours trying on wedding dresses and I aged five years waiting outside.”
“The customer tried on the expensive coat and suddenly walked with more confidence.”
“He tried on his father's suit for the interview, but looked like a kid playing dress-up.”
“Before buying expensive shoes, it's essential to try them on properly.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.