Exam Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
exam
[ษชษกหzรฆm ]
Definitions
education
An examination is a formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a subject or skill. It is usually conducted under timed conditions and may include a variety of question types such as multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
Synonyms
assessment, quiz, test.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exam |
Used in formal academic settings, often covering a large portion of the curriculum. It usually has a significant weight on the final grade.
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| test |
A general term for measuring knowledge or skill. It is less formal than an exam but more comprehensive than a quiz. Also used in non-academic contexts.
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| quiz |
A short test that typically covers a smaller amount of material. Used frequently in educational settings to check for understanding.
|
| assessment |
A broad term that can refer to any method of evaluating knowledge, skills, or abilities. It is often used in both academic and professional settings.
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Examples of usage
- The final exam will cover all the material we've studied this semester.
- She passed her driving exam on the first try.
- I have to study hard for my history exam next week.
medical
In the medical field, an exam refers to a physical or medical examination performed by a doctor or healthcare professional to assess a patient's health status, diagnose any medical conditions, or monitor treatment progress.
Synonyms
check-up, evaluation, examination.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exam |
Typically used in educational settings to refer to a formal test of a student's knowledge or skills.
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| examination |
A more formal term similar to 'exam' but can also be used in medical or professional contexts to imply a thorough inspection or investigation.
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| check-up |
Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a routine examination by a doctor to assess one's health.
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| evaluation |
Used in various professional and academic fields to denote a detailed assessment or judgement of skills, performance, or conditions.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor recommended a full physical exam for the patient.
- She underwent a thorough eye exam at the optometrist.
- After the exam, the doctor prescribed medication for the patient.
informal
As a verb, to exam means to scrutinize, inspect, or investigate something closely or thoroughly. It is often used in informal contexts to emphasize careful observation or analysis.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exam |
A formal test to measure someone's knowledge or ability.
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| examine |
To look at something closely and carefully in order to learn more about it, often in a scientific or medical context.
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| inspect |
To look at something closely, often for the purpose of finding faults or ensuring that it meets standards.
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| study |
To spend time learning about a subject or preparing for something, usually in an academic setting.
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Examples of usage
- She carefully exammed the antique vase before making a purchase.
- I need to exam the details of the contract before signing it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Different schools and countries have unique types of exams, like standardized tests or final assessments.
- Exams can be formative, helping teachers understand students' progress, or summative, providing a final evaluation of learning.
- High-stakes exams, like college entrance tests, can significantly impact students' futures, shaping educational pathways.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, examinations are considered rites of passage, illustrating a student's readiness for the next level.
- Countries like South Korea and Japan have intense exam preparation cultures, often leading to after-school tutoring programs.
- There are regional variations in stress and pressure associated with exams, as some societies emphasize achievement more heavily than others.
Psychology
- The anticipation of exams can trigger anxiety, affecting student performance, commonly referred to as 'test anxiety.'
- Effective study techniques (like spaced repetition) can help reduce anxiety and improve retention of information.
- Studies show that practice exams enhance learning and recall better than cramming, illustrating the value of preparation.
Pop Culture
- Films often portray exams as high-pressure scenarios, highlighting the emotional experiences of characters in school settings.
- Books and TV shows have depicted quirky characters developing elaborate schemes to avoid or pass their exams.
- Popular memes about exams reflect the student experience, often humorously exaggerating the stress and anxiety surrounding them.
Origin of 'exam'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'examinare', which means to weigh or test.
- It first appeared in English around the late 14th century, originally referring to a formal assessment.
- Over time, the meaning expanded from oral assessments to written tests as education evolved.
The word 'exam' is a shortened form of 'examination,' which dates back to the late 14th century. It originated from the Latin word 'examinare,' meaning 'to weigh, test, or examine.' Over time, 'exam' became a commonly used abbreviation for various types of tests or assessments in different fields, including education and medicine.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,471 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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