Trial and error Meaning in English
expression
ˈtɹaɪəɫ/, /ˈtɹaɪɫ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈɛɹɝ
TRY-uhl-uhnd-ER-er
tɹˈaɪəl/ /ˈænd/ /ˈɛɹɐ
try-UHL-uhnd-ERR-uh
Definition
A problem-solving method where you try different things and learn from mistakes until you find a solution.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in informal contexts, especially for learning by doing. Common phrase: 'by trial and error.' Used for both technical and everyday situations. Not used for deliberate, expert methods.
Spanish: ensayo y errorPortuguese (BR): tentativa e erroPortuguese (PT): tentativa e erroChinese (Simplified): 反复试验 - 试错法Chinese (Traditional): 反覆試驗 - 試誤法Hindi: प्रयोग और त्रुटिArabic: التجربة والخطأBengali: চেষ্টা ও ভুল - চেষ্টা-ত্রুটিRussian: метод проб и ошибокJapanese: 試行錯誤Vietnamese: thử và sai - thử nghiệm và mắc lỗiKorean: 시행착오Turkish: deneme yanılmaUrdu: آزمائش اور غلطیIndonesian: coba-coba - coba dan salah
Example Sentences
We learned how to fix the bike by trial and error.
basic
She used trial and error to bake her first cake.
basic
Children often solve puzzles through trial and error.
basic
He finally got the app to work after a lot of trial and error.
natural
Learning to skate is all about trial and error.
natural
Don't worry if you fail at first—it's just trial and error.
natural