invigilate

American  

[in-vij-uh-leyt] / ɪnˈvɪdʒ əˌleɪt /

verb (used without object)

invigilated, invigilating

1. to keep watch.

2. British. to keep watch over students at an examination.

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invigilate British  

/ ɪnˈvɪdʒɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. US word: proctor.  to watch examination candidates, esp to prevent cheating

2. archaic to keep watch

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Other Word Forms

• invigilation noun
• invigilator noun

Etymology

Origin of invigilate

1545–55; < Latin invigilātus (past participle of invigilāre to keep watch, stay up late), equivalent to in- in- ² + vigilā- (stem of vigilāre to watch; see vigil) + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

Invigilate means to watch over the administration of a test to ensure that no cheating occurs.You won't see invigilate used often but when you do, think about bubbling answer sheets and keeping your eyes on your own paper. Don't confuse this word with interrogate. The two words sound similar but occupy different grammatical positions within a sentence. You interrogate a person, meaning you ask them questions, but you invigilate a test, meaning you watch its administration. You don't invigilate a test-taker, even if they are the ones whom you, as a test's invigilator, want to interrogate when your suspicions of cheating are aroused. The word derives from the Latin vigilare, which means "to watch over."

Example Sentences

Last year, the college CEO even stepped in to invigilate an exam: "It's everyone mucking in."

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2024

In addition, every member of college staff has been trained to invigilate exams due to the surge in the number of students requiring extra support.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2024

Teachers are also being allowed to invigilate exams in their own subjects, which is not normally permitted.

From BBC • May 15, 2022

It sets extra tests, which schools must invigilate.

From Economist • Dec. 8, 2016

"I suppose he has got to invigilate at some horrid examination or something," she said, but she did not really suppose anything of the kind.

From Driftwood Spars The Stories of a Man, a Boy, a Woman, and Certain Other People Who Strangely Met Upon the Sea of Life by Wren, Percival Christopher