Examine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
examine
[ษชษกหzรฆmษชn ]
Definitions
study
To inspect or scrutinize carefully in order to assess quality, condition, or accuracy.
Synonyms
analyze, evaluate, inspect, scrutinize.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examine |
Used when you need to look at something very carefully to understand it better, often in a medical, academic, or detailed observation context.
|
| inspect |
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.
|
| scrutinize |
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.
|
| analyze |
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.
|
| evaluate |
Used when assessing the value, significance, or condition of something, often used in contexts requiring judgment or assessment.
|
Examples of usage
- He examined the document for any errors.
- The scientist examined the specimen under a microscope.
medical
To inspect a body part or the body as a whole for medical purposes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examine |
Used when you need to look at something very closely or study it carefully, especially in a detailed or formal setting.
|
| inspect |
Often used for a detailed examination, usually to ensure compliance with certain standards or to find faults.
|
| check |
Commonly used for a quick, brief, or routine look over something to ensure it is correct or in good condition.
|
| assess |
Appropriate when judging or deciding the value, quality, or importance of something.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor examined the patient's abdomen for any signs of tenderness.
- The dentist examined the patient's teeth for cavities.
academic
A detailed inspection or investigation.
Synonyms
analysis, assessment, inspection, investigation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| examine |
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.
|
| inspection |
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.
|
| investigation |
Best used for a detailed inquiry or systematic search, often related to uncovering facts, typically used in legal, criminal, or formal research contexts.
|
| analysis |
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.
|
| assessment |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- The examination of the evidence revealed new insights into the case.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Examination practices have been integral to education since ancient civilizations, assessing knowledge and skills.
- Standardized tests emerged in the 19th century, aiming for fairer student evaluations across different backgrounds.
- The concept of formative and summative assessments is commonly seen in educational frameworks worldwide.
Psychology
- Cognitive psychology explores how individuals process information when they examine their surroundings.
- The act of examining can evoke thoughtfulness, allowing deeper insight into personal emotions and behaviors.
- Mindfulness practices often encourage examination of thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness.
Pop Culture
- Examinations feature prominently in books and movies, often as a rite of passage or tension-filled moments, like in 'Harry Potter'.
- In detective fiction, the term relates to the thorough investigation of clues to solve mysteries.
- 'Reality TV' often includes challenges that require contestants to examine their strategies.
Origin of 'examine'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'examinare', meaning 'to test' or 'to weigh'.
- In medieval times, 'examine' was often used in a legal context to refer to questioning witnesses.
- It evolved in Middle English from 'examinen', reflecting its adaptation into English-speaking legal and academic systems.
The word 'examine' originated from the Latin word 'examinare', which means 'to weigh, ponder'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'examine' evolved to represent the act of inspecting or scrutinizing something closely. The usage of 'examine' has remained consistent in its meaning of careful assessment or evaluation.
See also: examinable, examination, reexamination, reexamine, unexamined.