Examine: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you need to look at something very carefully to understand it better, often in a medical, academic, or detailed observation context.

• The doctor will examine the patient
• Students should examine the text for its deeper meaning

Used when looking at something closely to check its condition or to find out if there are any problems, often in contexts requiring thorough scrutiny of physical items.

• The mechanic will inspect the car for any issues
• Health inspectors inspect restaurants regularly

Used when examining something very closely and thoroughly, often with a critical or detailed approach; has a slightly negative connotation implying intense or suspicious observation.

• The lawyer scrutinized the contract for any hidden clauses
• The journalist scrutinized the politician’s statements

Used when breaking something down into its parts to understand how it works or to interpret data, often used in scientific, academic, or technical contexts.

• Scientists analyze the water samples to check for pollution
• The data analyst will analyze the sales figures

Used when assessing the value, significance, or condition of something, often used in contexts requiring judgment or assessment.

• The teacher will evaluate the students' essays
• We need to evaluate the project’s success

Used when you need to look at something very closely or study it carefully, especially in a detailed or formal setting.

• The doctor will examine the patient to understand the symptoms.
• The researchers will examine the data for any significant patterns.

Often used for a detailed examination, usually to ensure compliance with certain standards or to find faults.

• The inspector will come to inspect the building for safety violations.
• Inspect the equipment regularly to prevent malfunction.

Commonly used for a quick, brief, or routine look over something to ensure it is correct or in good condition.

• Please check your answers before submitting the test.
• Can you check if the door is locked?

Appropriate when judging or deciding the value, quality, or importance of something.

• The teacher needs to assess the students' progress.
• The committee will assess the risks before making a decision.

This word is best used when you need to look at something carefully to understand or find out something specific. It's common in both everyday and professional settings.

• The doctor needs to examine the patient thoroughly
• We will examine the terms of the contract before signing

Use this when you're examining something closely and formally, often to ensure it meets certain standards or regulations. Common in quality control and compliance.

• The building passed the safety inspection
• We had a thorough inspection of the vehicle before purchase

Best used for a detailed inquiry or systematic search, often related to uncovering facts, typically used in legal, criminal, or formal research contexts.

• The police are conducting an investigation into the robbery
• There will be an internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident

Use this term when you need to break down something complex into smaller parts to understand it better. It's often used in scientific, business, or academic contexts.

• The analysis of the data showed significant trends
• She specializes in market analysis

This word fits well when you need to evaluate something to understand its value, condition, or importance, usually with a more formal or structured approach.

• The teacher gave an assessment of each student's performance
• We need a risk assessment before proceeding with the project