examine

[ ig-zam-in ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·am·ined, ex·am·in·ing.

1. to inspect or scrutinize carefully:

   to examine a prospective purchase.

   Synonyms: study, explore, probe, search, scrutinize, inspect

2. to observe, test, or investigate (a person's body or any part of it), especially in order to evaluate general health or determine the cause of illness.
3. to inquire into or investigate:

   to examine one's motives.

   Synonyms: quiz

4. to test the knowledge, reactions, or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.), as by questions or assigning tasks.
5. to subject to legal inquisition; put to question in regard to conduct or to knowledge of facts; interrogate:

   to examine a witness;

   to examine a suspect.

examine

/ ɪɡˈzæmɪn /

verb

1. to look at, inspect, or scrutinize carefully or in detail; investigate
2. education to test the knowledge or skill of (a candidate) in (a subject or activity) by written or oral questions or by practical tests
3. law to interrogate (a witness or accused person) formally on oath
4. med to investigate the state of health of (a patient)

Derived Forms

• exˈaminer, noun
• exˈamining, adjective
• exˈaminable, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·amin·a·ble adjective
• ex·am·i·na·to·ri·al [ig-zam-, uh, -n, uh, -, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• ex·amin·er noun
• ex·amin·ing·ly adverb
• preex·amine verb (used with object) preexamined preexamining
• preex·amin·er noun
• subex·amin·er noun
• super·ex·amin·er noun
• unex·amin·a·ble adjective
• unex·amined adjective
• unex·amin·ing adjective
• well-ex·amined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of examine¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French examiner, from Latin exāmināre “to weigh, examine, test,” equivalent to exāmin- (stem of exāmen examen ) + -āre, infinitive ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of examine¹

C14: from Old French examiner, from Latin exāmināre to weigh, from exāmen means of weighing; see examen

Example Sentences

Taking him at his word that he wants to help, it’s worth examining how his donations could have the biggest and most equitable impact.

From Outside Online

A new biweekly podcast called Sex Outside, which launched February 11, examines how outdoor pursuits, sex, gender, and bodies flow into each other.

From Outside Online

The first, released last fall, examined the risk of disease transmission aboard aircraft.

From Washington Post

Let’s examine each of these winter weather possibilities and also look back at how much snow fell from the first wave on Wednesday night.

From Washington Post

The onus is on the player to carefully examine surroundings to figure out where to go and what to do next.

From Washington Post

It is also the first study to thoroughly examine emergency department use for post-abortion care.

From The Daily Beast

Any institution striving to examine such an iconic figure would find formidable challenges.

From The Daily Beast

It is simply that we have failed to understand and examine the factors that are putting young gay men at risk.

From The Daily Beast

It was a strangely shaped block, due to the area once being underwater, and he took it home with him to examine closer.

From The Daily Beast

Gillespie had forensic-imaging experts examine photos taken of the plane and its patched-over window at the Miami airport.

From The Daily Beast

Monsieur le Maire,” said he, “I should like to examine the premises, and beg that you will have the kindness to accompany me.

From Project Gutenberg

I have not done this before as I had not sufficient leisure to examine them, or do so in the interval allowed by the season.

From Project Gutenberg

On nearing the spot, Tom stopped a few moments, and bent down to examine a beautiful flower.

From Project Gutenberg

The farmer stooped down, and raised the shabby bonnet from the face of the woman to examine her more carefully.

From Project Gutenberg

When cool, replace the acid with water, and examine for hemin crystals with two-thirds and one-sixth objectives.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• audit
• check
• check out
• consider
• criticize
• delve into
• explore
• inspect
• investigate
• ponder
• pore over
• probe
• read
• research
• review
• scan
• screen
• scrutinize
• study
• survey