examine

[ig-zam-in]

verb (used with object)

examined, examining 

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)

Other Word Forms

• examinable adjective
• examining adjective
• examiner noun
• examinatorial adjective
• examiningly adverb
• preexamine verb (used with object)
• preexaminer noun
• subexaminer noun
• superexaminer noun
• unexaminable adjective
• unexamined adjective
• unexamining adjective
• well-examined 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

The review did not examine any cases currently being dealt with by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.

From BBC

We reviewed and verified the material we received, examining closely the data embedded in videos that shows when and where it was shot.

From BBC

Israel has strongly denied genocide allegations, which are also being examined by the International Court of Justice.

From BBC

Twenty-two projects had been examining how the vaccine technology could counter viruses such as bird flu.

From BBC

The inquiry's first phase is examining the perpetrator's history, his contact with relevant agencies and any missed opportunities to prevent the attack.

From BBC

Related Words

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