Tests Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
tests
[tests /tษsts ]
Definitions
education
An examination of a student's knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject.
Synonyms
exam, examination, quiz.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tests |
Used in a general context to refer to various assessments in both academic and non-academic settings. Can include medical tests, psychological tests, and different types of academic assessments.
|
| examination |
A more formal term for exam, often used in official or academic writing. Can also refer to a detailed inspection or analysis, not limited to academic contexts.
|
| quiz |
A short test typically used in academic settings to assess students' understanding of recent material. Usually less formal and less comprehensive than exams.
|
| exam |
Typically refers to major assessments in academic settings. Exams are usually formal and comprehensive, often at the end of a term or semester.
|
Examples of usage
- She has to study hard for her upcoming tests.
- The final test will cover all the material from the semester.
medical
Medical procedures performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor a disease or condition.
Synonyms
analysis, check-up, screening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tests |
General term to refer to any kind of examination or assessment, often used in both academic and medical settings.
|
| check-up |
Primarily used in medical contexts to refer to a routine examination to assess someone's health.
|
| analysis |
Used when referring to the detailed examination of elements or structure of something, typically involving breaking down information into parts.
|
| screening |
Refers to a preliminary assessment or examination to identify the presence of a particular problem or determine eligibility, often used in medical or security contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor ordered a series of tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.
- The blood test showed abnormal levels of cholesterol.
evaluate
To assess or evaluate the abilities or characteristics of someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tests |
Refers to trials or examinations to measure knowledge, skill, or abilities. Typically used in educational or scientific contexts.
|
| assess |
Used when determining the value, quality, or importance of something. Often applied in academic, professional, or medical evaluations.
|
| evaluate |
Implies a detailed and systematic appraisal of something. Commonly used in research, job performance, and educational settings.
|
| examine |
Denotes close and detailed inspection or analysis, often used in medical, academic, or legal situations.
|
Examples of usage
- The teacher tests the students' understanding of the material through quizzes.
- The new software is being tested for bugs before the official release.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of testing as an assessment tool dates back to ancient China, where exams were used to select government officials.
- In Ancient Greece, educational testing began with philosophers like Plato who encouraged questioning to gauge knowledge.
- Standardized testing emerged in the 20th century to create uniform methods of evaluating student performance across schools.
Psychology
- Tests can affect a person's stress levels; some may feel anxious and others may thrive under the pressure.
- The 'testing effect' shows that studying through testing can improve long-term retention of information compared to just reading.
- Performance on tests can vary based on motivation, family support, and self-esteem, highlighting the complex nature of learning.
Education
- Many schools use a variety of tests including quizzes, midterms, and finals to measure understanding throughout the school year.
- Alternative assessment methods like projects and presentations are being embraced to test studentsโ skills beyond traditional formats.
- In recent years, there has been a push back against standardized testing, with debates on fairness and effectiveness in measuring student ability.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'test of time' refers to whether something remains valid or valued as time passes, often used in movies or books.
- Reality TV often features โsurvival testsโ where participants must prove themselves through various challenges.
- Famous films like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Maze Runner' create scenarios where characters face tests of survival and intelligence.
Science
- In scientific research, tests are crucial for experiments, allowing researchers to validate or refute hypotheses.
- Clinical trials are a type of test used to determine the effectiveness of new medications or treatments before they are approved.
- Tests in science provide a rigorous method for collecting data, ensuring that conclusions drawn are based on evidence.
Origin of 'tests'
The word 'tests' originated from the Latin word 'testari', meaning 'to bear witness'. Over time, it evolved to refer to examinations of knowledge or proficiency in various fields. In the medical context, 'tests' are procedures designed to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases. The verb form 'test' emerged from the noun, signifying the act of evaluating or assessing someone or something.
See also: attest, detest, protest, retest, test, testable, testament, tester, testifications, testify, testimony, testiness, untested.