try-v; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: attempt, make an effort

Commentary: NP1[+agent] TRY[-complete] NP/SCOMP{+goal]
NOTE: 'try' by itself never implies the goal was attained.

Examples:
The outfielder tried to catch the fly ball.
They are trying to buy out that company.
He will definitely try for the gold.
Mary tried out for the musical but they didn't cast her.

Mappings:
VerbNet: try-61
FrameNet: Attempt
PropBank: try.01,try.04,try.03
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
try_for 1
try_out 3

Sense Number 2: test, experiment, sample

Commentary: NP1[+agent] TRY NP2[+object] includes TRY ON and TRY OUT

Examples:
This drug hasn't been tried on humans yet.
Would you like to try my soup?
John tried several techniques of applying the paint.
She tried on six pairs of shoes.
I'd like to try out that new Mercedes.
It's a new approach that hasn't been tried out before.
We are going to try out the new French restaurant.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 4, 9
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
try_out 1, 2, 4
try_on 1

Sense Number 3: put on trial

Commentary: NP1[+agent] TRY NP2[+patient]

Examples:
You cannot be tried twice for the same crime.
They will try this case in New Jersey.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: Try_defendant
PropBank: try.02
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3, 5

Sense Number 4: strain, burden, cause to suffer

Commentary: NP1[+instrument] TRY NP2[+patient]

Examples:
Mary was tried by the baby's constant crying.
These are times that try men's souls.

Mappings:
VerbNet: amuse-31.1
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6, 7

Sense Number 5: melt or render

Commentary: NP1{+agent] TRY[+concrete] NP2[+substance]

Examples:
You must first try the butter, then add it to the batter.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 8