check
v. · n. · interj.-
1 to examine or verify (v.) A2 Elementaryto look at something to see if it is correct, safe, or in good condition.
to examine or investigate something in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition.
ExamplePlease check your homework for mistakes before you give it to the teacher.
ExampleThe engineers had to check the structural integrity of the bridge after the severe storm to ensure it was safe for traffic.
UsageOften used with 'for' to indicate the object of the search.
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2 to control or limit (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto stop something from increasing or getting worse.
to restrain or control the progress or intensity of something.
ExampleThe government is trying to check the rise in food prices.
ExampleThe new regulations were designed to check the expansion of monopolies within the telecommunications sector.
UsageTransitive verb taking a direct object.
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3 to leave for safekeeping (v.) B1 Intermediate American Englishto leave your bags or coat in a special place while you are at a hotel or airport.
to deposit items for temporary storage or transport in a designated area.
ExampleWe checked our suitcases at the hotel desk so we could go sightseeing.
ExamplePassengers are advised to check their heavy luggage at the counter at least two hours before the scheduled departure.
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4 an inspection (n.) A2 Elementaryan act of looking at something to make sure it is right.
an act of testing or examining something to verify its condition or accuracy.
ExampleThe pilot did a final safety check before the plane took off.
ExampleA routine background check is mandatory for all candidates applying for high-security positions within the firm.
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5 a restaurant bill (n.) A2 Elementary American English Cookingthe piece of paper that tells you how much you must pay for a meal.
a written statement of the amount due for goods or services, specifically in a dining context.
ExampleAfter we finished our coffee, we asked the waiter for the check.
ExampleThe host discreetly settled the check before the guests had finished their dessert to avoid any awkwardness over payment.
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6 a pattern of squares (n.) B1 Intermediatea pattern of squares in different colours.
a pattern consisting of alternating squares of different colours or textures.
ExampleHe wore a shirt with a blue and white check pattern.
ExampleThe interior designer recommended a subtle grey check for the upholstery to complement the minimalist aesthetic of the room.
- plaid
- tartan
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7 a bank document (n.) B1 Intermediate American Englisha printed form you sign to pay for something with money from your bank.
a written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account.
ExampleI wrote a check for the rent and mailed it to the landlord.
ExampleThe company issued a refund check to the customer after the billing error was discovered by the accounting department.
Teacher's tipIn British English, this is spelled 'cheque'.
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8 chess move (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sporta move in chess that attacks the opponent's king.
a position in chess where the king is under direct attack but can potentially escape.
ExampleHe put my king in check, so I had to move it to a safe square.
ExampleThe grandmaster delivered a surprising check with his knight, forcing his opponent into a defensive posture for the remainder of the game.
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9 done or correct (interj.) B1 Intermediate Informala word you say to show that something is finished or correct.
an exclamation used to indicate that a task is completed or a requirement has been met.
ExamplePassport? Check. Tickets? Check. We are ready to go.
ExampleThe team leader went through the pre-launch list: 'Fuel levels? Check. Navigation systems? Check.'
Teacher's tipThis is very common when reading through a list of items.
From Middle English chek, chekke, borrowed from Old French eschek, eschec, eschac, from Medieval Latin scaccus, borrowed from Arabic شَاه (šāh, “king or check at chess, shah”), borrowed from Classical Persian شَاه (šāh, “king”), from Middle Persian 𐭬𐭫𐭪𐭠 (mlkʾ /šāh/), from Old Persian 𐏋 (XŠ /xšāyaθiya/, “king”), from Proto-Indo-Iranian kšáyati (“he rules, he has power over”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European tek- (“to gain power over, gain control over”). All of the English senses developed from the chess sense. Compare Saterland Frisian Schak, Schach, Dutch schaak, German Schach, Danish skak, Swedish schack, Icelandic skák, French échec, Italian scacco. See chess and shah (“king of Persia or Iran”), from the same source, as well as thig, which derives from the Germanic cognate.
From Middle English chekken, partly from Old French eschequier and partly from the noun (see above).
By shortening from chequer, from Old French eschequier (“chessboard”), from Medieval Latin scaccarium, ultimately from the same Persian root as above.