Tests: meaning, definitions and examples

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tests

 

[ tests /tɛsts ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

education

An examination of a student's knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject.

Synonyms

exam, examination, quiz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The doctor ordered several tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.
  • She studied hard to pass all her tests in school.
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.

  • The examination will take place in the main hall at 9 AM.
  • The company conducted a thorough examination of its finances last year.
quiz

A short test typically used in academic settings to assess students' understanding of recent material. Usually less formal and less comprehensive than exams.

  • Next week's quiz will cover chapters 5 through 7.
  • The teacher quizzed the students on their vocabulary words.
exam

Typically refers to major assessments in academic settings. Exams are usually formal and comprehensive, often at the end of a term or semester.

  • She was nervous about her final exam because it covered the entire semester's material.
  • He stayed up all night studying for his chemistry exam.

Examples of usage

  • She has to study hard for her upcoming tests.
  • The final test will cover all the material from the semester.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

Medical procedures performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor a disease or condition.

Synonyms

analysis, check-up, screening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tests

General term to refer to any kind of examination or assessment, often used in both academic and medical settings.

  • She needs to study for her math tests.
  • The doctor ordered several tests to diagnose the illness.
check-up

Primarily used in medical contexts to refer to a routine examination to assess someone's health.

  • I have a check-up scheduled with my doctor next week.
  • Regular check-ups are important to maintain good health.
analysis

Used when referring to the detailed examination of elements or structure of something, typically involving breaking down information into parts.

  • The scientist performed an analysis of the data.
  • A careful analysis of the market trends is necessary before making investments.
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.

  • Annual cancer screenings can help detect the disease early.
  • Passengers must go through security screening before boarding their flight.

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.
Context #3 | Verb

evaluate

To assess or evaluate the abilities or characteristics of someone or something.

Synonyms

assess, evaluate, examine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tests

Refers to trials or examinations to measure knowledge, skill, or abilities. Typically used in educational or scientific contexts.

  • The teacher gave the students tests to see how well they understood the material
  • Scientists ran multiple tests to confirm their hypothesis
assess

Used when determining the value, quality, or importance of something. Often applied in academic, professional, or medical evaluations.

  • The doctor needs to assess the patient's condition before making a diagnosis
  • The company will assess the new software to determine if it meets their needs
evaluate

Implies a detailed and systematic appraisal of something. Commonly used in research, job performance, and educational settings.

  • The committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the new policy
  • Teachers need to evaluate each student's progress at the end of the term
examine

Denotes close and detailed inspection or analysis, often used in medical, academic, or legal situations.

  • The doctor will examine the injury to decide the best course of action
  • The lawyer will examine the evidence carefully

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

Translations of the word "tests" in other languages:

🇵🇹 testes

🇮🇳 परीक्षण

🇩🇪 Tests

🇮🇩 tes

🇺🇦 тести

🇵🇱 testy

🇯🇵 テスト

🇫🇷 tests

🇪🇸 pruebas

🇹🇷 testler

🇰🇷 테스트

🇸🇦 اختبارات

🇨🇿 testy

🇸🇰 testy

🇨🇳 测试

🇸🇮 testi

🇮🇸 próf

🇰🇿 тесттер

🇬🇪 ტესტები

🇦🇿 testlər

🇲🇽 pruebas

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,082, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.