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exam

n. · v.
US //ɪɡˈzæm// UK //ɛɡzˈæm// ex·am
  1. 1 a formal test (n.)
    A1 Beginner Informal

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

    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.

    Teacher's tip

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

  2. 2 to inspect or test (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical

    to look at something very carefully or to test someone.

    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

    Teacher's tip

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