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Exams Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exams

[ษชษกหˆzรฆmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

A set of questions or exercises evaluating knowledge or skill.

Synonyms

assessments, evaluations, tests.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exams

Exams are formal tests usually taken at the end of a course or term to evaluate a student's knowledge and understanding in a subject. They are typically structured and timed.

  • Students are stressed because of their final exams next week.
  • He had to study all night for his biology exam.
tests

Tests are often shorter and less formal than exams. They can be used to measure knowledge and skills at various points during a course, from quizzes to mid-term tests.

  • The teacher gave a surprise test on chapter five.
  • Weekly spelling tests help improve vocabulary.
assessments

Assessments can include various methods of evaluating knowledge, skills, or abilities, and are not always as formal or structured as exams. They can be ongoing or formative, helping to guide learning throughout a course.

  • The teacher uses regular assessments to gauge student progress.
  • Formative assessments help students understand their strengths and weaknesses.
evaluations

Evaluations are broader and can refer to assessing the quality or value of something, not just academic performance. They can be used in educational environments, workplace settings, and other areas to make informed judgments.

  • The job performance evaluations will take place next month.
  • Evaluation of the new curriculum shows promising results.

Examples of usage

  • She passed her exams with flying colors.
  • He's studying hard for his upcoming exams.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A thorough medical evaluation or testing.

Synonyms

check-up, evaluation, physical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exams

Used primarily in academic settings to refer to tests or assessments that evaluate a studentโ€™s knowledge or skills in a particular subject.

  • I have to study hard for my final exams next week
  • The students were stressed about their mid-term exams
physical

Most often used in medical contexts to describe a detailed examination of the body by a healthcare professional to determine physical health.

  • She needed a physical before joining the sports team
  • The company requires a physical for all new employees
check-up

Commonly used in medical contexts to denote a routine medical examination to ensure that a person's health is in good condition.

  • He went to the doctor for his annual check-up
  • The dentist recommended a check-up every six months
evaluation

Typically used in professional or educational settings to assess the performance, value, or quality of something or someone. This term can be used in various contexts including medical, academic, or job performance.

  • The annual employee performance evaluation will take place next Tuesday
  • After the training session, we had to fill out an evaluation form

Examples of usage

  • The doctor ordered a series of exams to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

The formal interrogation of a witness or party in a court case.

Synonyms

inquiry, interrogation, questioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exams

Used in educational settings to describe formal tests or assessments that measure a student's knowledge or skills. These are usually scheduled and held in academic institutions.

  • I have three exams next week in math, biology, and chemistry.
  • She studied hard to pass her final exams.
interrogation

A formal and often intense process of questioning, usually by law enforcement, to gather information. This term has a negative connotation and suggests pressure or coercion.

  • The suspect broke down under intense interrogation.
  • Interrogation techniques used by the police were called into question.
questioning

Refers to the act of asking questions to gather information. This can happen in various contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal investigations.

  • The teacher's questioning helped the students think critically.
  • The witness is currently undergoing questioning at the police station.
inquiry

Refers to a formal investigation or a detailed request for information. It is often used in professional, scientific, or legal contexts.

  • The company launched an inquiry into the missing funds.
  • The scientist conducted an inquiry to understand the phenomenon.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer conducted a cross-examination during the trial.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History of Education

  • The first recorded use of exams for assessing knowledge dates back to ancient China over 2,200 years ago.
  • In medieval Europe, exams began to be used for university admissions, marking a shift towards standardized testing.
  • The modern exam system we know today started taking shape in the 19th century, particularly in the fields of medicine and law.

Psychology

  • Students experience different levels of stress before exams, often linked to how prepared they feel and their study habits.
  • Research shows that a bit of anxiety can actually enhance focus and performance during exams, known as 'optimal anxiety.'
  • The testing effect suggests that frequent testing helps strengthen memory retention more than studying alone.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In Japan, students take entrance exams as a vital step for high school and university, reflecting the culture's strong emphasis on education.
  • In Brazil, a national exam called ENEM determines university admission, showcasing a centralized approach to maximizing educational standards.
  • Various cultures celebrate exam completion with parties or rituals, indicating the importance of education in many societies.

Technology in Education

  • Online exams have become more widespread, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, changing how assessments are conducted.
  • Adaptive testing, where questions adjust in difficulty based on the test-taker's performance, is becoming more popular in standardized exams.
  • Many educational apps now offer platforms for practice exams, helping students prepare in a more interactive way.

Origin of 'exams'

The word 'exams' is a short form of 'examinations', which originated in the mid 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'examinare' meaning 'to test or examine'. Over the years, the term has evolved to represent various types of evaluations, from academic assessments to medical tests and legal inquiries.

See also: exam, examiner.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,233, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.