trier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2neutral to slightly formal; most common in evaluative or descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “trier” mean?
A person who consistently makes an effort, especially when faced with difficulty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who consistently makes an effort, especially when faced with difficulty.
A person, animal, or machine that tests or tries something; also, one who participates in a trial. Historically, a legal officer responsible for determining weights and measures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The noun is less common than the verb 'to try' in both dialects.
Connotations
Equally positive in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be used in British English in formal praise (e.g., 'She's a real trier').
Frequency
Low-frequency noun in both; slightly higher relative frequency in UK English corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “trier” in a Sentence
[determiner] + trier[adjective] + trierbe + a + trierVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in performance reviews or references to praise an employee's effort: 'We value him as a consistent trier.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in educational psychology discussing learner persistence.
Everyday
Common in describing someone who doesn't give up easily: 'He might not win, but he's a trier.'
Technical
In law/history, refers to an official conducting trials or assays. In manufacturing, a machine that tests products.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trier”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trier”
- Spelling confusion: 'tryer' is a common misspelling.
- Using it to mean 'someone who tries something once' instead of 'a persistently effortful person'.
- Overusing; it's a specific compliment, not a synonym for 'participant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a high-frequency word. It is used specifically to praise someone's persistent effortful character.
A 'trier' is positive, denoting admirable perseverance. 'Try-hard' is often negative (slang), implying someone is trying too hard to impress.
Yes, in technical/legal contexts. Historically, a 'trier' was an officer, and in industry, a machine that tests or samples can be called a trier.
No, the standard spelling is 'trier'. 'Tryer' is considered a misspelling.
A person who consistently makes an effort, especially when faced with difficulty.
Trier is usually neutral to slightly formal; most common in evaluative or descriptive contexts. in register.
Trier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A trier, not a crier.”
- “Always a trier.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TRY' + '-ER' = the one who TRIES. A 'trier' is always the 'try-er' in any situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A JOURNEY (the trier keeps going), CHARACTER IS SUBSTANCE (a 'real' trier).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'trier'?