Trial vs. Testing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Trial refers to a test of performance, qualities, or suitability, while Testing involves systematic examination or assessment.
Key Differences
The term "Trial" often indicates an attempt to evaluate a certain aspect or capability. For example, a product trial is an opportunity for potential customers to try a product before purchasing. "Testing," on the other hand, involves a detailed examination or a methodological assessment to determine something's quality, safety, or functionality.
"Trial" can also refer to a formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a criminal case or to make a judgment in a civil matter. "Testing" doesn't possess this judicial connotation; it's more related to verification processes in various contexts.
In many contexts, "Trial" conveys a sense of experimentation, like trying something out to see if it works or fits. Think of software trials or clinical trials. "Testing" suggests a more rigorous and structured evaluation, such as standardized testing in education or materials testing in engineering.
It's crucial to note that while both "Trial" and "Testing" can be about evaluation, their use might differ based on context. A "trial period" at a job refers to an initial period where one's fit and skills are assessed. Conversely, "testing" in the same context might involve specific exams or tasks set for the candidate to gauge competence.
Sometimes, the terms can be used interchangeably, especially in casual speech. You might hear someone say they're "trialing" a new software when they're technically testing it. However, discerning between "trial" as an opportunity to try and "testing" as a structured assessment can provide clearer communication.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A test of performance, qualities, or suitability.
A systematic examination or assessment.
Contextual Use
Can refer to legal proceedings or a period of experimentation.
Often relates to verification processes in various fields.
Duration
Can be longer, like a trial period at a job.
Might be shorter, specific, like a test in school.
Outcome
To determine fit, suitability, or effectiveness.
To evaluate quality, functionality, or safety.
Intention
Often exploratory, to try something new or different.
Structured and methodical, to confirm or deny hypotheses.
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Trial and Testing Definitions
Trial
A formal examination of evidence before a judge.
The criminal will face trial next month.
Testing
An examination of abilities or qualities through a set task or series of tasks.
Students are preparing for their end-of-year testing.
Trial
An attempt to do something.
She's on trial at the new job for three months.
Testing
A methodical challenge or analysis to assess suitability, reliability, or durability.
Engineers are testing the new bridge for structural integrity.
Trial
An event in which competitors take part to prove their skills or speed.
He participated in the motorcycle trials last summer.
Testing
The act of subjecting to experimental test to determine how well something works.
They are in the final phase of testing the new drug.
Trial
A proceeding in which opposing parties in a dispute present evidence and make arguments on the application of the law before a judge or jury
The case is expected to go to trial.
Testing
The act of putting something under strain to evaluate its limits.
The testing of the equipment happens under extreme conditions.
Trial
An instance of such a proceeding
The trial of Socrates.
Testing
A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial
A test of one's eyesight.
Subjecting a hypothesis to a test.
A test of an athlete's endurance.
Trial
The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof
A trial of one's faith.
Testing
A series of questions, problems, or physical responses designed to determine knowledge, intelligence, or ability.
Trial
An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments
A clinical trial of a drug.
Testing
A basis for evaluation or judgment
"A test of democratic government is how Congress and the president work together" (Haynes Johnson).
Trial
An effort or attempt
Succeeded on the third trial.
Testing
(Chemistry) A physical or chemical change by which a substance may be detected or its properties ascertained.
Trial
A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief
"the fiery trial through which we pass" (Abraham Lincoln).
Testing
A cupel.
Trial
A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing
The child was a trial to his parents.
Testing
To subject to a test; try
Tested the pen by scribbling on scrap paper.
Testing job applicants.
Trial
A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.
Testing
To reveal the degree of (a given quality) in someone or something by or as if by means of a test
The experiment tested the rats' ability to solve spatial problems. The long war tested the country's resolve.
Trial
Of, relating to, or used in a trial.
Testing
To identify the presence or amount of one or more substances in
Tested the water for lead.
Trial
Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis
A married couple on a trial separation.
Testing
To identify the amount of (a substance) in something
Tested the nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil.
Trial
Made or done in the course of a trial or test.
Testing
To ascertain the properties of
Tested the steel for hardness and tensile strength.
Trial
An opportunity to test something out; a test.
They will perform the trials for the new equipment next week.
Testing
To assay (metal) in a cupel.
Trial
Appearance at judicial court in order to be examined.
Testing
To undergo a test.
Trial
A difficult or annoying experience, such an experience seen as a test of faith and piety
That boy was a trial to his parents.
Testing
To administer a test
Test for acid content.
Test for the presence of an antibody.
Trial
A tryout to pick members of a team.
Soccer trials
Testing
To achieve a score or rating on tests
Tested high on the entrance exams.
Trial
(ceramics) A piece of ware used to test the heat of a kiln.
Testing
To exhibit a given characteristic when subjected to a test
Test positive for the tubercle bacillus.
Trial
(UK) An internal examination set by Eton College.
Testing
; tough.
Trial
Pertaining to a trial or test.
Testing
The act of conducting a test; trialing, proving.
Trial
Attempted on a provisional or experimental basis.
Testing
Present participle of test
Trial
Characterized by having three (usually equivalent) components.
Testing
The act of testing or proving; trial; proof.
Trial
Triple.
Testing
The operation of refining gold or silver in a test, or cupel; cupellation.
Trial
(grammar) Pertaining to a language form referring to three of something, like people; contrast singular, dual and plural. (See Ambai language for an example.)
No language has a trial number unless it has a dual.
Testing
The act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works;
They agreed to end the testing of atomic weapons
Trial
To carry out a series of tests on (a new product, procedure etc.) before marketing or implementing it.
The warning system was extensively trialed before being fitted to all our vehicles.
Testing
An examination of the characteristics of something;
There are laboratories for commercial testing
It involved testing thousands of children for smallpox
Trial
To try out (a new player) in a sports team.
The team trialled a new young goalkeeper in Saturday's match, with mixed results.
Testing
The act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned
Trial
The act of trying or testing in any manner.
Testing
The act of determining the presence or amount of a particular substance.
The company conducts regular drug testing on employees.
Trial
Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected.
[I] defy thee to the trial of mortal fight.
Trial
The state of being tried or tempted; exposure to suffering that tests strength, patience, faith, or the like; affliction or temptation that exercises and proves the graces or virtues of men.
Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings.
Trial
The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions.
Trial
That which tries or afflicts; that which harasses; that which tries the character or principles; that which tempts to evil; as, his child's conduct was a sore trial.
Every station is exposed to some trials.
Trial
Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.
Trial
The formal examination of the matter in issue in a cause before a competent tribunal; the mode of determining a question of fact in a court of law; the examination, in legal form, of the facts in issue in a cause pending before a competent tribunal, for the purpose of determining such issue.
Trial
(law) legal proceedings consisting of the judicial examination of issues by a competent tribunal;
Most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial
Trial
The act of testing something;
In the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately
He called each flip of the coin a new trial
Trial
(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications;
The trials for the semifinals began yesterday
Trial
(law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law;
He had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty
Trial
Trying something to find out about it;
A sample for ten days free trial
A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
Trial
An annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event;
His mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him
Life is full of tribulations
A visitation of the plague
Trial
The act of undergoing testing;
He survived the great test of battle
Candidates must compete in a trial of skill
Trial
A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.
The new software is available for a 30-day free trial.
Trial
A hardship or affliction that tests one's character or endurance.
Facing illness was the toughest trial of his life.
FAQs
Can I use software "testing" instead of a software "trial"?
Typically, a software "trial" refers to a limited-time use, whereas "testing" might imply checking its functionalities.
Are "Trial" and "Testing" synonymous?
While related, they aren't strict synonyms. A trial often implies trying or attempting, while testing means systematically assessing.
What's "A/B testing" and is it a trial?
It's a method to compare two versions of something to see which performs better. It's a form of testing, not necessarily a trial.
How is "trial" used in a legal context?
It refers to a formal examination of evidence by a judge, often before a jury.
Are "trial runs" and "testing runs" the same?
They're similar. Both can mean trying out a process, but "testing run" might be more rigorous or systematic.
Why might companies offer product trials?
To allow potential customers to evaluate the product's suitability before purchase.
Is a job "trial" the same as job "testing"?
Not quite. A job "trial" is an evaluation period, while "testing" could be specific exams or tasks to assess skills.
Can both terms be verbs?
Yes. You can "trial" a new technique and "test" a hypothesis.
Are there fields where "testing" is paramount?
Yes, in fields like medicine, engineering
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
