'tryout' originates from the combination of 'try' and 'out', where 'try' meant 'to test' and 'out' indicated 'outside or beyond'.

'try' changed from the Old French word 'trier' meaning 'to pick out or cull', and eventually became the modern English word 'try'.

Initially, it meant 'to test or examine', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a test of potential'.