Trial vs. Trail: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 10, 2023
"Trial" often refers to a test or legal examination, while "Trail" typically indicates a path or the act of following behind.
Key Differences
Trial and Trail are distinct in meaning despite their phonetic similarity. A Trial usually refers to a formal examination of evidence before a judge, while a Trail is more about pathways or tracks that are often used for walking or hiking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
The term Trial doesn't always mean a courtroom scenario; it can represent any test or examination of something. For instance, a product might undergo a trial before its official release. In contrast, Trail can denote the act of trailing behind someone, akin to following them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In historical contexts, Trial often points to significant legal events or situations where an individual or group faced testing situations. Trail, on the other hand, might bring up historical paths like the Oregon Trail, which pioneers once traversed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
When one encounters challenges, they might say they are "on trial," meaning they're undergoing a test of character or skill. Whereas if someone says they're "on the trail" of something, it suggests they're pursuing or searching for it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Lastly, when someone's endurance or patience is tested, they might say they are "put to the trial." In a more literal sense, when someone is hiking or trekking, they're "hitting the trail."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A test or legal examination.
A path or the act of following behind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Grammatical Category
Commonly a noun, occasionally a verb.
Both a noun and a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Functional Role
Describes an examination or test.
Indicates a path or act of trailing.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Trial and Trail Definitions
Trial
A formal examination in court.
The trial for the defendant starts next week.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Trail
The act of following behind.
The detective was on the trail of the suspect.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
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Trail
A series of signs or objects left behind.
The breadcrumbs formed a trail to their destination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To allow to drag or stream behind, as along the ground
The dog ran off, trailing its leash.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof
A trial of one's faith.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments
A clinical trial of a drug.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief
"the fiery trial through which we pass" (Abraham Lincoln).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing
The child was a trial to his parents.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To drag or be dragged along, brushing the ground
The queen's long robe trailed behind.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To extend, grow, or droop loosely over a surface
Vines trailing through the garden.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis
A married couple on a trial separation.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To become gradually fainter; dwindle
His voice trailed off in confusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
An opportunity to test something out; a test.
They will perform the trials for the new equipment next week.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To walk or proceed with dragging steps; trudge
Trailed along in glum silence.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To be behind in competition; lag
Trailing by two goals in the second period.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A marked course through one or more bodies of water, as for recreational boaters or divers.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Something that is drawn along or follows behind; a train
The mayor was followed by a trail of reporters.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A succession of things that come afterward or are left behind
Left a trail of broken promises.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Something that hangs loose and long
Trails of ticker tape floated down from office windows.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(transitive) To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).
The hunters trailed their prey deep into the woods.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(transitive) To drag (something) behind on the ground.
You'll get your coat all muddy if you trail it around like that.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(transitive) To leave (a trail of).
He walked into the house, soaking wet, and trailed water all over the place.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(transitive) To show a trailer of (a film, TV show etc.); to release or publish a preview of (a report etc.) in advance of the full publication.
His new film was trailed on TV last night.
There were no surprises in this morning's much-trailed budget statement.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(intransitive) To hang or drag loosely behind; to move with a slow sweeping motion.
The bride's long dress trailed behind her as she walked down the aisle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(intransitive) To drag oneself lazily or reluctantly along.
Our parents marched to church and we trailed behind.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(military) To carry (a firearm) with the breech near the ground and the upper part inclined forward, the piece being held by the right hand near the middle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications;
The trials for the semifinals began yesterday
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
Trying something to find out about it;
A sample for ten days free trial
A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
The track or indication marking the route followed by something that has passed, such as the footprints of animal on land or the contrail of an airplane in the sky.
Trail of blood
Condensation trail
Data trail, paper trail
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trial
The act of undergoing testing;
He survived the great test of battle
Candidates must compete in a trial of skill
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A route for travel over land, especially a narrow, unpaved pathway for use by hikers, horseback riders, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A route or circuit generally.
Politicians are on the campaign trail in preparation for this year's election.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
(television) A trailer broadcast on television for a forthcoming film or programme.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
The horizontal distance from where the wheel touches the ground to where the steering axis intersects the ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To draw or drag, as along the ground.
And hung his head, and trailed his legs along.
They shall not trail me through their streetsLike a wild beast.
Long behind he trails his pompous robe.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To carry, as a firearm, with the breech near the ground and the upper part inclined forward, the piece being held by the right hand near the middle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To take advantage of the ignorance of; to impose upon.
I presently perceived she was (what is vernacularly termed) trailing Mrs. Dent; that is, playing on her ignorance.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To be drawn out in length; to follow after.
When his brother saw the red blood trail.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To grow to great length, especially when slender and creeping upon the ground, as a plant; to run or climb.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A track left by man or beast; a track followed by the hunter; a scent on the ground by the animal pursued; as, a deer trail.
They traveled in the bed of the brook, leaving no dangerous trail.
How cheerfully on the false trail they cry!
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A footpath or road track through a wilderness or wild region; as, an Indian trail over the plains.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Anything drawn out to a length; as, the trail of a meteor; a trail of smoke.
When lightning shoots in glittering trails along.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
The entrails of a fowl, especially of game, as the woodcock, and the like; - applied also, sometimes, to the entrails of sheep.
The woodcock is a favorite with epicures, and served with its trail in, is a delicious dish.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
That part of the stock of a gun carriage which rests on the ground when the piece is unlimbered. See Illust. of Gun carriage, under Gun.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
The act of taking advantage of the ignorance of a person; an imposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
A track or mark left by something that has passed;
There as a trail of blood
A tear left its trail on her cheek
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Evidence pointing to a possible solution;
The police are following a promising lead
The trail led straight to the perpetrator
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
To lag or linger behind;
But in so many other areas we still are dragging
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Go after with the intent to catch;
The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
The dog chased the rabbit
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Move, proceed, or walk draggingly pr slowly;
John trailed behind behis class mates
The Mercedes trailed behind the horse cart
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Hang down so as to drag along the ground;
The bride's veiled trailed along the ground
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Trail
Drag loosely along a surface; allow to sweep the ground;
The toddler was trailing his pants
She trained her long scarf behind her
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
FAQs
Is a "trail" always a physical path?
No, "trail" can also refer to the act of following or a series of signs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Do "trial" and "trail" sound similar?
Yes, they're phonetically similar but differ in meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "trail" indicate being behind in a race?
Yes, like when a runner "trails" their opponent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Are trials always challenging?
Often, but not always. Some trials are routine tests.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "trial" be used outside legal contexts?
Yes, "trial" can mean any test or examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Does every "trial" result in a verdict?
In a legal sense, yes, but broadly "trial" can mean any test without a set outcome.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Can a movie have a "trail"?
It can have a "trailer," a preview, not a "trail."
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Do all trails lead somewhere?
Most have a destination, but some might circle back or fade away.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can you have a trial of a new product?
Yes, this would be testing the product before wider release.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
How do "trial by jury" and "hit the trail" differ?
The first pertains to legal proceedings, the latter to starting a journey or hike.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Are "trial and error" and "trailblazing" related?
Not directly. The first is a problem-solving method, the latter means pioneering.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Does a trail always have tracks?
Not always. Some are marked paths without clear tracks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
How might one "trail" in a competition?
They might be behind in points or ranking.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Are "trial" and "tribulation" synonymous?
They're related, both indicating challenges, but aren't exact synonyms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Does "trail off" mean ending a trail?
Not literally. It means to gradually become quieter or less clear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can a trial be positive?
Yes, especially if it means testing something beneficial or getting a positive outcome.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
What might be a "trial run"?
It's a test or rehearsal before the actual event or situation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Is trailing someone the same as stalking?
It can be, but "trailing" doesn't always have negative connotations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
