trial and error
Testing then adjusting
Trial and error is a method of solving problems by trying different approaches until one works.
There's no theory or system—just repeated attempts, learning from failures along the way.
Through trial and error, she figured out the right combination of spices.
The phrase often implies inefficiency but also practical discovery: Most of parenting is trial and error.
Repeated procedural pass
- testingExamining to evaluate
- hypothesisTestable proposed explanation
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- tinkeringCasual, unskilled adjusting
adjustment · feedback · refinement · correction · validation · falsification · simulation · calibration
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- patienceCalm during delays
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
grit · dedication · effort · struggle · repetition · practice · endurance · steadfastness
Act of finding something
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- inquiryRequest for information
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- researchSystematic fact-finding effort
analysis · empiricism · observation · insight · understanding · breakthrough · realization · lesson
Systematic fault diagnosis
- debuggingError removal from programs
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- creativityCapacity for original thought
resourcefulness · workaround · solution · fix · remedy · brainstorming · inventiveness · ingenuity
iteration
Repeated procedural pass
- testingExamining to evaluate
- hypothesisTestable proposed explanation
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
tinkering · adjustment · feedback · refinement · correction · validation · falsification · simulation · calibration · troubleshooting
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- patienceCalm during delays
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
tenacity · grit · dedication · effort · struggle · repetition · practice · endurance · steadfastness · diligence
discovery
Act of finding something
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- inquiryRequest for information
- investigationFormal examination of facts
research · analysis · empiricism · observation · insight · understanding · breakthrough · realization · lesson · mistake
troubleshooting
Systematic fault diagnosis
- debuggingError removal from programs
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
creativity · resourcefulness · workaround · solution · fix · remedy · brainstorming · inventiveness · ingenuity · experimentation
- practical traininghands-on training, hands-on learning, hands-on experience, hands-on practice, on-the-job training
- Learning Methodsactive learning, passive learning, collaborative learning, cooperative learning, discovery learning
- solving strategieselimination, process of elimination, guess and check, pattern recognition, backtracking
- problem-solvingproblem solving, puzzles, riddles, logic, solutions
- child developmentbaby, toddler, newborn, infancy, milestones
- researchstudy, research papers, researching, archive, peer review
trial and errorscientific method
Structured process for investigation
strategic planning · by the book · systematic approach · deductive reasoning · optimization
trial and errorbook learning
Knowledge from study
received wisdom · mentorship · apprenticeship · academic study · doctrine
error, trial, trials, errant, unerring, erroneous, errorless, retrial, trialled