Trial vs. Trail — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Trial refers to a test or examination, while Trail is a path or track.
Difference Between Trial and Trail
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Trial typically signifies an examination or a test of something. It might be a judicial process or a testing phase for a product. Trail, on the other hand, signifies a beaten path, often used for walking, hiking, or by animals. It's a track or indication of someone or something's passage.
In the context of a court setting, a Trial is the formal process where evidence is presented, and a verdict is reached. Conversely, a Trail has no connection to the judicial process; instead, it can signify a path in the woods or the act of trailing someone.
Furthermore, Trial can imply a challenging situation that tests one's endurance or patience. It's a hurdle or difficulty faced. Meanwhile, Trail can refer to the marks or signs left behind by someone or something, like footprints in the snow or the scent a dog follows.
There's also the act of undergoing a Trial, like in clinical trials where new drugs are tested for efficacy. In contrast, to Trail can also mean to move slowly or lag behind, as in a person trailing in a race.
Lastly, while Trial can be used metaphorically to discuss challenges in life, Trail can be used in a more literal sense to discuss physical paths or the act of following something.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A test or examination
A path or track
Contextual Usage
Judicial process, testing phase
Hiking path, signs of passage
Figurative Meaning
Facing challenges
Following something
Verb Usage
To test or try something
To follow or lag behind
Related Expressions
"Trial and error", "on trial"
"Blaze a trail", "on the trail of"
Compare with Definitions
Trial
A test of performance, qualities, or suitability.
The company is conducting a trial for the new software.
Trail
The marks or signs left by someone or something.
The detective followed the trail of clues.
Trial
A session for testing or assessing.
We are currently in a trial phase for the new product.
Trail
To follow or pursue someone or something.
The police trailed the suspect through the city.
Trial
In law, a trial is a coming together of parties to a dispute, to present information (in the form of evidence) in a tribunal, a formal setting with the authority to adjudicate claims or disputes. One form of tribunal is a court.
Trail
To lag or fall behind.
He trailed behind the rest of the group during the hike.
Trial
A formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings
The editor was summoned to stand trial for libel
The newspaper accounts of the trial
Trail
A trail is usually a path, track or unpaved lane or road. In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, path or footpath is the preferred term for a walking trail.
Trial
A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something
Clinical trials must establish whether the new hip replacements are working
Trail
To allow to drag or stream behind, as along the ground
The dog ran off, trailing its leash.
Trial
A person, experience, or situation that tests a person's endurance or forbearance
The trials and tribulations of married life
Trail
To drag (the body, for example) wearily or heavily.
Trial
Test (something, especially a new product) to assess its suitability or performance
Teachers all over the UK are trialling the materials
Trail
To follow the traces or scent of, as in hunting; track.
Trial
(of a horse, dog, or other animal) compete in trials
The pup trialled on Saturday
Trail
To follow the course taken by; pursue
Trail a fugitive.
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.
Trail
To follow behind
Several cruisers trailed by an escorting destroyer.
Trial
An instance of such a proceeding
The trial of Socrates.
Trail
To lag behind (an opponent)
Trailed the league leader by four games.
Trial
The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof
A trial of one's faith.
Trail
To drag or be dragged along, brushing the ground
The queen's long robe trailed behind.
Trial
An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments
A clinical trial of a drug.
Trail
To extend, grow, or droop loosely over a surface
Vines trailing through the garden.
Trial
An effort or attempt
Succeeded on the third trial.
Trail
To drift in a thin stream
Smoke trailing from a dying fire.
Trial
A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief
"the fiery trial through which we pass" (Abraham Lincoln).
Trail
To become gradually fainter; dwindle
His voice trailed off in confusion.
Trial
A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing
The child was a trial to his parents.
Trail
To walk or proceed with dragging steps; trudge
Trailed along in glum silence.
Trial
A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.
Trail
To be behind in competition; lag
Trailing by two goals in the second period.
Trial
Of, relating to, or used in a trial.
Trail
A marked or beaten path, as through woods or wilderness.
Trial
Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis
A married couple on a trial separation.
Trail
An overland route
The pioneers' trail across the prairies.
Trial
Made or done in the course of a trial or test.
Trail
A marked course through one or more bodies of water, as for recreational boaters or divers.
Trial
An opportunity to test something out; a test.
They will perform the trials for the new equipment next week.
Trail
A mark, trace, course, or path left by a moving body.
Trial
Appearance at judicial court in order to be examined.
Trail
The scent of a person or animal
The dogs lost the trail of the fox.
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.
Trail
Something that is drawn along or follows behind; a train
The mayor was followed by a trail of reporters.
Trial
A tryout to pick members of a team.
Soccer trials
Trail
A succession of things that come afterward or are left behind
Left a trail of broken promises.
Trial
(ceramics) A piece of ware used to test the heat of a kiln.
Trail
Something that hangs loose and long
Trails of ticker tape floated down from office windows.
Trial
(UK) An internal examination set by Eton College.
Trail
The part of a gun carriage that rests or slides on the ground.
Trial
Pertaining to a trial or test.
Trail
The act of trailing.
Trial
Attempted on a provisional or experimental basis.
Trail
(transitive) To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).
The hunters trailed their prey deep into the woods.
Trial
Characterized by having three (usually equivalent) components.
Trail
(transitive) To drag (something) behind on the ground.
You'll get your coat all muddy if you trail it around like that.
Trial
Triple.
Trail
(transitive) To leave (a trail of).
He walked into the house, soaking wet, and trailed water all over the place.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trail
(intransitive) To run or climb like certain plants.
Trial
The act of trying or testing in any manner.
Trail
(intransitive) To drag oneself lazily or reluctantly along.
Our parents marched to church and we trailed behind.
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.
Trail
To be losing, to be behind in a competition.
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.
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.
Trial
The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions.
Trail
To create a trail in.
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.
Trail
To travel by following or creating trails.
Trial
Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.
Trail
To transport (livestock) by herding it along a trail.
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.
Trail
(dated) To take advantage of the ignorance of; to impose upon.
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
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
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
Trail
A route for travel over land, especially a narrow, unpaved pathway for use by hikers, horseback riders, etc.
Trial
(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications;
The trials for the semifinals began yesterday
Trail
A route or circuit generally.
Politicians are on the campaign trail in preparation for this year's election.
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
Trail
(television) A trailer broadcast on television for a forthcoming film or programme.
Trial
Trying something to find out about it;
A sample for ten days free trial
A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
Trail
(graph theory) A walk in which all the edges are distinct.
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
Trail
The horizontal distance from where the wheel touches the ground to where the steering axis intersects the ground.
Trial
The act of undergoing testing;
He survived the great test of battle
Candidates must compete in a trial of skill
Trail
To hunt by the track; to track.
Trial
A formal examination of evidence before a judge.
The robbery suspect will face a trial next month.
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.
Trial
An attempt to do something.
It was his third trial at passing the driving test.
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.
Trial
A challenging or troubling situation.
Losing his job was a major trial for him.
Trail
To tread down, as grass, by walking through it; to lay flat.
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.
Trail
To be drawn out in length; to follow after.
When his brother saw the red blood trail.
Trail
To grow to great length, especially when slender and creeping upon the ground, as a plant; to run or climb.
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!
Trail
A footpath or road track through a wilderness or wild region; as, an Indian trail over the plains.
Trail
Anything drawn out to a length; as, the trail of a meteor; a trail of smoke.
When lightning shoots in glittering trails along.
Trail
Anything drawn behind in long undulations; a train.
Trail
Anything drawn along, as a vehicle.
Trail
A frame for trailing plants; a trellis.
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.
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.
Trail
The act of taking advantage of the ignorance of a person; an imposition.
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
Trail
A path or track roughly blazed through wild or hilly country
Trail
Evidence pointing to a possible solution;
The police are following a promising lead
The trail led straight to the perpetrator
Trail
To lag or linger behind;
But in so many other areas we still are dragging
Trail
Go after with the intent to catch;
The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
The dog chased the rabbit
Trail
Move, proceed, or walk draggingly pr slowly;
John trailed behind behis class mates
The Mercedes trailed behind the horse cart
Trail
Hang down so as to drag along the ground;
The bride's veiled trailed along the ground
Trail
Drag loosely along a surface; allow to sweep the ground;
The toddler was trailing his pants
She trained her long scarf behind her
Trail
A beaten path through countryside or wilderness.
We hiked on a scenic trail through the mountains.
Trail
A line or series of marks left by a moving person or thing.
The plane left a trail of smoke in the sky.
Common Curiosities
What's the difference between "on trial" and "on the trail"?
"On trial" means undergoing a judicial examination, while "on the trail" means following or tracking.
What might you find on a Trail?
On a trail, you might find footprints, signs, or a path through nature.
Can animals leave a Trail?
Yes, animals can leave a trail in the form of tracks, scents, or other signs.
Does Trial always have negative connotations?
No, while trials can refer to challenges, it can also simply mean tests or attempts without negative implications.
What might "trail and error" mean?
It's likely a mix-up. The correct phrase is "trial and error," referring to testing various methods to find a solution.
Is a Trial always in court?
No, a trial can also refer to a testing phase, not just a judicial process.
If there's a Trail in the forest, who made it?
A trail in the forest can be naturally formed by animals or intentionally created by humans for walking or hiking.
Can Trail be a verb?
Yes, trail can mean to follow or to lag behind.
Can Trial refer to attempts?
Yes, trial can mean an attempt to do something.
Is a clinical Trial related to court?
No, a clinical trial is about testing medicines or medical procedures, not a judicial process.
If someone is trailing in a race, what does it mean?
It means they are falling behind or not leading in the race.
Can Trail mean to drag something?
Yes, trail can mean to drag or let something drag behind. For example, "Her gown trailed on the ground."
What's a synonym for Trail as a path?
A synonym could be "track" or "route".
Can businesses use the term Trial?
Yes, businesses often offer trials for products or services to let customers test before buying.
Do all Trials have verdicts?
In a judicial context, yes, trials aim to reach verdicts. But in general, not all trials culminate in decisive outcomes.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Tailor vs. Tailer
Next Comparison
Poa vs. MoaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
