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

BBC Verify has examined what we know - and don't know - about the party's aspirations when it comes to taxation, spending and borrowing.

From BBC

Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups and makes his predictions for Week 1 of the NFL season.

From Los Angeles Times

Each ring typically indicated one year of growth suggesting the tree was at least 100 to 120 years old, he added, with the section having been examined at Fort Cumberland Laboratories in Portsmouth.

From BBC

The 18 first-class counties have been examining the domestic structure throughout this season, with the intention of introducing alterations in 2026.

From BBC

BBC Sport examines the contentious incidents that have sparked debate at Flushing Meadows - and you can tell us what you think about them.

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