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REFERENCE

examine

v. · n.
US //ɪɡˈzæmɪn// UK //ɛɡzˈæmɪn// ex·am·ine
  1. 1 to inspect closely (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to look at something very carefully to find information or check for problems.

    to inspect or observe something with close attention to detail in order to determine its nature or condition.

    Example

    The detective used a magnifying glass to examine the fingerprints on the desk.

    Example

    Forensic experts spent several hours examining the crime scene for any trace evidence that might link the suspect to the location.
  2. 2 medical check-up (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    when a doctor looks at your body to see if you are healthy.

    to perform a physical medical assessment on a patient to diagnose a condition or monitor health.

    Example

    The doctor will examine your throat to see why it is sore.

    Example

    The specialist examined the patient's reflexes and coordination to rule out any underlying neurological issues after the accident.
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  1. 3 to test knowledge (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to test how much someone knows about a subject.

    to evaluate the knowledge, skills, or qualifications of a candidate through a formal test.

    Example

    The professor will examine the students on everything they learned this semester.

    Example

    The board of examiners will examine each candidate's proficiency in both written theory and practical application before granting the license.
  2. 4 to question formally (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    to ask someone many questions in a formal way, like in a court of law.

    to question a witness or suspect formally and closely, typically in a legal context.

    Example

    The lawyer began to examine the witness about what she saw that night.

    Example

    The prosecution spent the afternoon examining the lead investigator to establish a clear timeline of the events leading up to the arrest.
  3. 5 an inspection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a quick look or check of something.

    the act of inspecting or checking something; used as a shortened form of examination.

    Example

    Give the car a quick examine before we leave for the long trip.

    Example

    After a brief examine of the documents, the manager realized that several signatures were missing from the final page.

    Usage

    This noun form is much less common than the verb and is typically replaced by 'examination' or 'exam' in standard English.
Origin

From Middle English examinen, examenen, from Old French examiner, from Latin exāmināre.

Word family

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