Examination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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examination
[ษชษกหzรฆmษชหneษชสษn ]
Definitions
medical
A detailed inspection or investigation of a body or its parts for signs of disease or injury.
Synonyms
check-up, evaluation, inspection, scan.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examination |
Formal assessment or detailed inspection typically in an academic or medical setting.
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| inspection |
Careful examination or scrutiny, especially to ensure compliance with rules or standards.
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| check-up |
Routine medical appointment to assess overall health, particularly when no specific issues are present.
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| evaluation |
Assessment of the value, performance, or quality of something or someone, often in an academic or professional context.
|
| scan |
Quickly examine or look over something, often using technology or medically-related devices.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor ordered a thorough examination of the patient's lungs.
- The examination revealed a tumor in the brain.
academic
A formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject.
Synonyms
assessment, evaluation, quiz, test.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examination |
Typically used in a formal or academic setting to describe a detailed, formal test of knowledge or skill, often at the end of a course or semester.
|
| test |
A general term that can describe any structured evaluation of knowledge, skills, or abilities, and can be used in various contexts including education, health, and professional certifications.
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| quiz |
Refers to a short, informal test often used in educational contexts to quickly assess students' understanding of recent material. It is generally less formal than an examination or test.
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| assessment |
Used broadly to describe the process of evaluating a person, project, or situation. It can be formal or informal and is not limited to academic contexts.
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| evaluation |
Involves making judgments about the value, significance, or quality of something, often based on detailed criteria or standards. Commonly used in both academic and professional settings.
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Examples of usage
- She passed her final examination with flying colors.
- The examination will cover all the topics we studied this semester.
legal
The process of asking questions in court to gather evidence or information.
Synonyms
cross-examination, inquiry, interrogation, questioning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examination |
Used in academic or medical settings, or when inspecting something thoroughly.
|
| interrogation |
Has a negative connotation and is used when someone is being questioned aggressively, often in a legal or law enforcement context.
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| questioning |
More neutral and general, used in various settings including casual or formal to gather information by asking questions.
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| cross-examination |
Commonly used in legal settings when one party questions a witness who has already testified for the other party.
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| inquiry |
Typically used in formal or official contexts to investigate or ask about something in detail.
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Examples of usage
- During cross-examination, the witness was asked to clarify her previous statement.
- The examination of the defendant revealed new information about the case.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Education
- Standardized examinations have been used since the 19th century to assess student abilities and academic performance.
- Many countries use national exams as a way to certify studentsโ readiness for higher education or vocational training.
- In addition to written tests, there are also oral examinations and practical examinations in various fields.
Cultural Context
- In different cultures, the approach to examinations can vary widely, with some emphasizing rote memorization and others favoring critical thinking.
- Many educational systems see examinations as a rite of passage, marking significant transitions in a student's life.
- Examinations can be a source of stress for students, leading to movements advocating for reduced pressure and alternative assessment methods.
Psychology
- The experience of taking exams can trigger anxiety and performance stress in many students, sometimes affecting their results.
- Studies show that adequate preparation can reduce anxiety and improve performance on exams.
- Different types of feedbackโsuch as formative and summativeโplay crucial roles in shaping a student's exam readiness.
Pop Culture
- Examinations are often depicted in films and television shows, frequently symbolizing the challenges of academic life.
- Some characters in popular culture become overnight successes or failures due to their examination results, highlighting societal pressures.
- The phrase 'cramming for an exam' has entered everyday language, reflecting common study habits and the rush before a test.
Origin of 'examination'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'examinare,' meaning to weigh or test.
- It was first used in English in the 15th century, originally relating to the process of judging or evaluating.
- Over time, the meaning extended from measuring weight to measuring knowledge and skills.
The word 'examination' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'examiner' and the Latin word 'examinare', meaning 'to test or try'. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, including medical, academic, and legal examinations.
See also: examinable, examine, reexamination, reexamine, unexamined.