TRIAL AND ERROR Definition & Meaning

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trial and error

noun

experimentation or investigation in which various methods or means are tried and faulty ones eliminated in order to find the correct solution or to achieve the desired result or effect.

trial and error

noun

a method of discovery, solving problems, etc, based on practical experiment and experience rather than on theory
he learned to cook by trial and error

trial and error

To “proceed by trial and error” is to experiment, rejecting what does not work and adopting what does.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

trial-and-error adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of trial and error¹

First recorded in 1800–10

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Idioms and Phrases

An attempt to accomplish something by trying various means until the correct one is found. for example, The only way to solve this problem is by trial and error. The error here alludes to the failed means or attempts, which are discarded until the right way is found. [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Because the voice-over is essential to the story, getting it right took a lot of trial and error.

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"It's all trial and error, everyone's body is different," Stephens added.

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Ohtani will have a little more than two months for such trial and error, and even less if the National League West remains competitive.

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Setting up the cameras in rocky, high-altitude areas took a lot of trial and error.

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Of course, being a kid is full of trial and error, especially when you’re a know-it-all.

From

trial trial balance

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