Trailed vs. Trialled — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Trailed" refers to following or being behind something, while "trialled" involves undergoing a trial or test.
Difference Between Trailed and Trialled
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Trailed" typically describes the act of following behind someone or something, indicating a physical or metaphorical pursuit. On the other hand, "trialled" refers to the process of testing or trying out a new method, idea, or individual to assess its effectiveness or suitability.
In sports or races, "trailed" can describe a competitor who is behind others in terms of position or performance. Whereas "trialled" is not commonly used in this context, instead it pertains to the period where athletes or techniques are being evaluated during practice sessions.
In legal or formal settings, "trailed" might refer to someone following a case or issue closely. In contrast, "trialled" specifically denotes the act of being subjected to a trial in a court of law or a similar evaluative process.
When used metaphorically, "trailed" can suggest a lingering influence or presence, such as a legacy or reputation trailing behind a person. Conversely, "trialled" often appears in discussions about pilot projects or experimental stages where new ideas are being rigorously tested.
In technology and product development, "trailed" can be used to describe features or products that are outdated or behind current trends. "Trialled," however, is used to denote the phase where new technologies are tested for viability before full-scale implementation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Following behind someone or something
Undergoing a trial or test
Context Usage
Sports, travel, metaphorical
Legal, research, product testing
Connotation
Often negative, implies lagging behind
Generally positive, implies evaluation
Example Scenario
A detective trailed the suspect
A new drug is trialled in clinical studies
Phrase Formation
"trailed behind in the race"
"the system was trialled last year"
Compare with Definitions
Trailed
To drag or draw along behind.
The child trailed a balloon through the park.
Trialled
To test something in a trial setting.
The new medication was trialled among adults.
Trailed
To follow behind someone or something.
He trailed behind the group during the hike.
Trialled
To experiment with a new process.
We trialled remote work during the pandemic.
Trailed
To lag in performance or progress.
The team trailed by ten points at halftime.
Trialled
To undergo experimental use.
The prototype car was trialled on closed tracks.
Trailed
To trace or track by following remnants.
The police trailed the criminal by following clues.
Trialled
To evaluate the effectiveness of a project.
The teaching methods were trialled for two semesters.
Trailed
To have a declining or diminishing effect.
Her voice trailed off during the conversation.
Trialled
To be involved in a judicial trial.
The case was trialled in a federal court.
Trailed
To allow to drag or stream behind, as along the ground
The dog ran off, trailing its leash.
Trialled
(British spelling) trial
Trailed
To drag (the body, for example) wearily or heavily.
Trailed
To follow the traces or scent of, as in hunting; track.
Trailed
To follow the course taken by; pursue
Trail a fugitive.
Trailed
To follow behind
Several cruisers trailed by an escorting destroyer.
Trailed
To lag behind (an opponent)
Trailed the league leader by four games.
Trailed
To drag or be dragged along, brushing the ground
The queen's long robe trailed behind.
Trailed
To extend, grow, or droop loosely over a surface
Vines trailing through the garden.
Trailed
To drift in a thin stream
Smoke trailing from a dying fire.
Trailed
To become gradually fainter; dwindle
His voice trailed off in confusion.
Trailed
To walk or proceed with dragging steps; trudge
Trailed along in glum silence.
Trailed
To be behind in competition; lag
Trailing by two goals in the second period.
Trailed
A marked or beaten path, as through woods or wilderness.
Trailed
An overland route
The pioneers' trail across the prairies.
Trailed
A marked course through one or more bodies of water, as for recreational boaters or divers.
Trailed
A mark, trace, course, or path left by a moving body.
Trailed
The scent of a person or animal
The dogs lost the trail of the fox.
Trailed
Something that is drawn along or follows behind; a train
The mayor was followed by a trail of reporters.
Trailed
A succession of things that come afterward or are left behind
Left a trail of broken promises.
Trailed
Something that hangs loose and long
Trails of ticker tape floated down from office windows.
Trailed
The part of a gun carriage that rests or slides on the ground.
Trailed
The act of trailing.
Trailed
Simple past tense and past participle of trail
Common Curiosities
What does "trialled" refer to?
It refers to the process of testing or evaluating something in a controlled setting.
What contexts is "trailed" typically used in?
It's used in physical following, sports, or metaphorically to describe performance.
Can "trialled" be used outside of legal or scientific contexts?
Yes, it can also refer to testing new ideas or techniques in various fields.
What does it mean to be "trailed"?
It means to follow or lag behind someone or something.
Is there a difference in connotation between "trailed" and "trialled"?
Yes, "trailed" often has a negative connotation of lagging behind, while "trialled" is more positive, implying thorough evaluation.
How does one use "trialled" in a sentence?
Example: "The new software was trialled among a select group of users."
Can "trailed" and "trialled" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct meanings and contexts.
How does one use "trailed" in a sentence?
Example: "The spy trailed the ambassador discreetly."
Is "trailed" ever used positively?
It can be used neutrally, but it generally implies some form of deficiency or delay.
What are some synonyms for "trialled"?
Tested, experimented, evaluated.
Why is "trialled" important in research?
It helps determine the viability and effectiveness of new theories or products.
What are some synonyms for "trailed"?
Followed, lagged, shadowed.
How does "trailed" relate to tracking?
It often implies tracking movements or paths by following physical traces or cues.
How do the outcomes of "trailed" and "trialled" differ in a competitive scenario?
"Trailed" indicates being behind in the competition, while "trialled" could lead to improvements and advancements in performance.
What type of projects can be "trialled"?
New technologies, educational methods, or health treatments can be trialled.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
