Check Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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check
[tʃɛk ]
Definitions
in technology
To examine or verify something for accuracy, correctness, or completeness.
Synonyms
confirm, examine, inspect, verify.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| check |
Used when you need to quickly look at something to ensure it's correct or satisfactory.
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| verify |
Used when you need to make sure something is true, accurate, or justified, often involving objective evidence.
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| inspect |
Used when you look at something closely and carefully to ensure standards or regulations are being met, often in an official capacity.
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| examine |
Used when you need to look at something carefully and in detail, often for the purpose of understanding or making an analysis.
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| confirm |
Used when you need to assert the accuracy or validity of something that has been established or arranged.
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Examples of usage
- Please check your email for any updates.
- Don't forget to check your spelling before submitting the document.
in a game
A move in chess that places the opponent's king in check, threatening to capture it on the next move.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| check |
Use 'check' in a strategic game like chess to indicate the king is under attack.
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| threat |
Use 'threat' for an expression or indication of intent to inflict harm, often with a negative connotation.
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| challenge |
Use 'challenge' when referring to something difficult that tests one's abilities or a call to compete.
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| danger |
Use 'danger' when referring to a situation where there is a possibility of harm or injury.
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Examples of usage
- After the knight's move, the opponent's king was in check.
- The player had to make a series of checks to avoid losing the game.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- 'Check' is popular in modern slang, often used to confirm agreement or understanding among friends.
- The phrase 'check it out' became famous in the 1980s, especially in music and youth culture, encouraging exploration.
- Various songs and movies feature 'check' in titles and lyrics, emphasizing the act of verification or approval.
Science
- In scientific experiments, a 'check' refers to controls used to ensure results are valid and accurate.
- Checklists are common in laboratories to ensure all procedures are followed for safety and correctness.
- Quality control involves a series of 'checks' to ensure products meet standards before reaching consumers.
Psychology
- The act of checking can be linked to obsessive-compulsive behaviors where individuals feel compelled to verify actions.
- In cognitive psychology, 'checking' is studied as a method to boost memory retention and learning by reinforcing knowledge.
- Research shows that the brain uses 'checks' as a way to reduce uncertainty, enhancing decision-making processes.
Business
- In finance, a 'check' is a written order directing a bank to pay a specific amount, showing the term's economic significance.
- Companies often perform background checks before hiring to ensure candidates meet qualifications.
- Project managers use checklists to monitor progress and ensure all tasks are completed on time.
Origin of 'check'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'check' comes from the Old French word 'eschec', which means 'to stop' or 'to verify'.
- In chess, 'check' is used when a player's king is threatened, showing the term's historical roots in games.
- Originally, in the 15th century, 'check' also referred to a mark made on a ledger for accounting.
The word 'check' has a complex history, originating from the Old French word 'eschec' meaning 'a check at chess'. The word was later borrowed into Middle English and evolved to its current form. Over time, 'check' has taken on various meanings related to examination, verification, and control in different contexts.
See also: checkable, checker, checkered, checking, checkout, checkpoint, checkpoints, recheck, unchecked.