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

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

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

The US Coast Guard is holding a public hearing on 16 September to examine why the disaster happened, from the sub’s unconventional design to ignored safety warnings and the lack of regulation in the deep.

From BBC

Following his recent terminal cancer diagnosis, Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has called for more, younger men to be tested - including those with a family history of the disease - and the government has asked the NHS to examine the evidence again.

From BBC

The independent review the government is expected to announce will examine how clear ticketing terms and conditions are and how they are communicated to train users.

From BBC

The Department for Transport instructed the company to review its ticketing policy to ensure it was clear and fair to passengers and asked it to examine details of similar cases.

From BBC

Teixeira's leak prompted the Pentagon to examine its systems for handling classified information.

From BBC

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