Retest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retest

[riหหˆtษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

education

To take a test or examination again, usually after failing the first attempt.

Synonyms

reexamine, retake, retry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retest

When referring to taking the same test again, often used in educational or medical contexts.

  • After failing the math exam, students can schedule a retest next week.
  • The patient will need to retest for confirmation of the diagnosis.
retake

Commonly used in the context of taking an exam, course, or photograph again, often implying the first attempt was unsatisfactory.

  • She needs to retake the driving test because she failed the first time.
  • The director asked the actor to retake the scene for better performance.
retry

Mostly used in legal contexts to describe the process of trying a case again in court or more generally for attempting an action again if the first attempt was unsuccessful.

  • The case was declared a mistrial, so it will be necessary to retry the defendant.
  • If the task fails, the system will automatically retry.
reexamine

Used when reviewing something carefully again, often associated with critical analysis or reassessment.

  • The committee decided to reexamine the policy due to recent complaints.
  • Scientists must reexamine the data to ensure accuracy.

Examples of usage

  • I need to retest this material before the final exam.
  • She had to retest for her driver's license after failing the first time.
Context #2 | Noun

education

A subsequent test or examination taken after a previous failure.

Synonyms

make-up test, reexamination, retake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retest

This is a duplicate entry and essentially has the same meaning and usage as the first 'retest'.

retake

Retake is often used informally to describe taking an exam or test again after failing or not performing well. It commonly appears in academic settings.

  • If you fail the final exam, you'll need to retake the course.
  • She decided to retake the test to improve her grade.
make-up test

A 'make-up test' is typically given to students who missed the original test date due to an acceptable reason such as illness or an emergency.

  • Because she was sick on the exam day, Sarah took a make-up test the following week.
  • The teacher arranged a make-up test for students who were absent during the original exam.
reexamination

The term 'reexamination' is used in more formal or professional contexts, often implying a thorough review or second examination of a topic or test.

  • The committee called for a reexamination of the evidence.
  • After finding errors in the initial results, the case underwent reexamination.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher scheduled a retest for those who did not pass the first time.
  • He was nervous about the retest after failing the initial exam.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Many educators advocate for retesting as it allows students to demonstrate improvement and reinforce their understanding of material.
  • Some schools offer retests as part of their grading policy, helping students recover from a poor performance and build confidence.
  • Retesting can create a safe space for students to learn from their mistakes in a supportive environment.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that allowing retests can reduce anxiety, helping students perform better the second time around compared to the first attempt.
  • Cognitive psychology highlights the benefits of spaced repetition, similar to how retesting allows students to revisit material and reinforce their memory.
  • Feedback from retests provides valuable insights into students' learning processes and areas needing improvement.

Technology

  • In software development, retesting is crucial for ensuring that bugs are fixed before a product release, enhancing overall quality.
  • Online education platforms frequently incorporate retesting features for quizzes, allowing learners to gauge their knowledge progressively.
  • Adaptive learning technologies are increasingly using retest data to personalize learning experiences based on individual student performance.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some Asian educational systems, retesting is common and culturally accepted, reflecting a strong emphasis on diligence and mastery.
  • Conversely, in some Western education systems, there can be stigma attached to needing to retest, signaling a need for change in mindset.
  • Pop culture often portrays retesting humorously, depicting characters who must retake exams to prove themselves, emphasizing growth through second chances.

Origin of 'retest'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 're-' comes from Latin, meaning 'again', while 'test' has roots in the Latin word 'testari', meaning to witness or to affirm.
  • The combination of 're-' and 'test' first appeared in English around the 20th century, highlighting the growing emphasis on repeated assessments in education.
  • In academic circles, the concept of retesting evolved alongside modern educational theories that advocate for mastery learning.

The word 'retest' originated from the combination of the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and the word 'test', which comes from the Latin word 'testum' meaning 'earthen pot'. Over time, 'retest' has evolved to refer to the action of taking a test or examination again, typically after a previous failure. The concept of retesting is commonly used in educational settings to provide students with a second chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.


See also: attest, detest, protest, test, testable, testament, tester, testifications, testify, testimony, testiness, tests, untested.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,097, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.