English Reference

Word

exam

Phoneticsex·am, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪɡˈzæm/

UK/ɛɡzˈæm/

Definitions

01a formal test

A1 · Beginner Countable noun Informal

n. a formal test that you take to show what you have learned in a subject.

n. a formal assessment of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a specific subject or skill. This is a clipping of 'examination' and is the standard term in educational contexts.

“I need to study hard because I have a math exam on Friday morning.”

“The final exam accounts for sixty percent of the total grade, requiring students to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the semester's curriculum.”

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'take', 'sit', or 'pass'.

Pitfall

I will make an exam tomorrow.

I will take an exam tomorrow.

In English, you 'take' or 'sit' an exam, you do not 'make' one unless you are the teacher writing the questions.

Teaching tip

While 'exam' is technically informal compared to 'examination', it is the standard word used by students and teachers in daily school life.

Synonyms

testassessmentexamination

02to inspect or test

C1 · Advanced Informal · Technical

v. to look at something very carefully or to test someone.

v. to inspect closely or subject to a formal test. This verbal use is a shortened form of 'examine' and is significantly less common than the noun.

“The doctor will exam the patient to see what is wrong.”

“The software was designed to automatically exam each line of code for potential security vulnerabilities before the final deployment.”

Usage

Used as a transitive verb taking a direct object.

Teaching tip

This verbal form is rare; learners should almost always use 'examine' in writing.

Synonyms

examineinspectcheck

Antonyms

ignoreneglect

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exam” in context.

01. exam results

Related words

acedequivalencymemorizationreassessment

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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