Checking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍
Add to dictionary

checking

[ˈtʃɛkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finance

The act of investigating or verifying financial transactions to ensure their accuracy and validity.

Synonyms

audit, examination, verification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
checking

Used in everyday situations when confirming that something is correct or in the right condition.

  • She is checking her emails.
  • I am checking the weather forecast for tomorrow.
verification

Used when confirming the accuracy, truth, or validity of something, often in technical or security-related contexts.

  • The verification of his identity took several minutes.
  • Our system requires email verification to complete the registration process.
audit

Used in a formal or professional context, especially related to financial or compliance assessments.

  • The company undergoes an annual financial audit.
  • We need to audit our internal processes to ensure compliance.
examination

Used in more detailed or formal contexts, often related to academic, medical, or detailed inspections.

  • The doctor called for a thorough examination of the patient.
  • Before making a decision, an examination of all the facts is necessary.

Examples of usage

  • After every month, the accountant performs a checking of the company's financial records.
  • The checking process revealed discrepancies in the expenditure report.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

The process of examining something or someone closely in order to detect any issues or problems.

Synonyms

examination, inspection, scrutiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
checking

Used in everyday situations to reference quickly looking over something for errors or confirmation.

  • She was checking her email for new messages
  • He is checking the weather before going out
inspection

Used in formal settings, often involving an official procedure to assess quality or safety. Commonly associated with regulatory or supervisory roles.

  • The building passed the safety inspection
  • The health inspector will be visiting the restaurant today
scrutiny

Used to indicate a very detailed and critical examination, often implying a high level of carefulness and skepticism. Can carry a negative connotation if overbearing or unwelcome.

  • The politician's actions were under close scrutiny from the media
  • Her research findings were subject to rigorous scrutiny
examination

Used in more formal or academic contexts to indicate a detailed and thorough investigation or study, often for medical or educational purposes.

  • The doctor performed an examination of the patient
  • The student's examination results will be available tomorrow

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic did a thorough checking of the car's engine to find the source of the problem.
  • We need to do a checking of the security measures in place to ensure safety.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A quick review or assessment of a situation or condition.

Synonyms

assessment, evaluation, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
checking

Used when you need to confirm the status, accuracy, or condition of something. It's often quick and straightforward.

  • I am checking my email for any new messages.
  • She is checking the weather before going out.
evaluation

Similar to 'assessment' but can be used in both formal and informal settings to judge the value or effectiveness of something.

  • We are doing an evaluation of the new software.
  • The teacher's evaluation of the student's project was very positive.
assessment

Used in formal or professional settings to refer to the process of evaluating something comprehensively, often involving detailed analysis.

  • The doctor's assessment of the patient's condition revealed no major issues.
  • The job performance assessment will be conducted annually.
review

Used when looking back at something in detail, often to provide feedback or a summary. Frequently used in contexts involving performance or products.

  • The movie received a good review from the critics.
  • I need to review the meeting notes before the presentation.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher did a checking of the students' understanding before moving on to the next topic.
  • I need to do a quick checking of my schedule before committing to anything else.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Checking behaviors can be tied to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where individuals feel the need to repeatedly verify tasks.
  • Studies show that excessive checking can lead to anxiety, as individuals may fear making mistakes.
  • The act of checking can also provide a sense of control, allowing individuals to feel more secure in decision-making.

Technology

  • In programming, checking syntax is crucial to ensure that code runs without errors, highlighting the importance of verification.
  • Banking apps feature 'checking accounts', which allow users to monitor their funds and transactions closely.
  • Software testing often involves 'checking' functions to ensure that applications perform as expected before release.

Culture

  • In many cultures, 'check' can refer to the performance of health inspections, such as checking food to ensure safety.
  • Sports often emphasize checking, such as in hockey, where players check opponents to gain control of the puck.
  • In social situations, checking in with friends or family can show care, reflecting the importance of communication.

Literature

  • In literary works, 'checking' often symbolizes self-doubt, where characters reassess their actions or choices.
  • Many novels feature characters who 'check' their surroundings, symbolizing a moment of realization or foreboding.
  • Themes of verification appear frequently in mystery genres, where the act of checking clues leads to unraveling secrets.

Origin of 'checking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'check' comes from the Old French 'eschec', meaning a stop or a halt, which relates to verifying or confirming.
  • In Middle English, 'checking' evolved from the term that conveyed stopping something to ensure it is correct.
  • The term has roots in the game of chess, where 'checking' refers to putting the king in threat, demanding immediate attention.

The term 'checking' originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the verb 'check'. Initially used in the context of examining financial transactions, it later expanded to include various forms of examination and assessment. The concept of 'checking' has become integral in ensuring accuracy and verification across different fields such as finance, security, and education.


See also: check, checkable, checker, checkered, checkout, checkpoint, checkpoints, recheck, unchecked.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,043 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.