The word "check" has multiple meanings depending on context. It is used in sports, finance, and everyday conversation. In chess, it signifies a move threatening the king. In finance, it is a written, dated, and signed instrument instructing a bank to pay a specific sum of money. Checking items for accuracy has become a fundamental part of modern workflows, spanning industries from engineering to quality control.
check in English
- check⇄adj. checkable.
- check⇄adj. 1. used in checking.
2. marked in a pattern of squares. - check⇄check, verb, noun, adjective, interjection.
- check⇄expr. check at,
a. (Obsolete.) to stop short at.
Ex. A true friend should not check at the hazard of a life (Beaumont and Fletcher).
b. (of the falcon) to forsake the prey and fly after (base) game, especially after some chance bird t - check⇄expr. check in,
a. to arrive and register at a hotel, motel, or other place where an appointment must be made or kept or where one's presence must be made known.
Ex. We checked in and were then shown to our rooms. The salesman checked in at - check⇄expr. check off, to mark, especially on a list, as finished, acceptable, or requiring no further attention.
Ex. to check off the items of a bill, to check off the names of applicants. - check⇄expr. check out,
a. (Especially U.S.) to pay one's bill at a hotel or motel when leaving or otherwise notify a person in charge of a register that one is leaving.
Ex. We loaded the car while Father checked out at the desk.
b. to inspe - check⇄expr. check up, (U.S.) to examine or compare to prove true or correct.
Ex. If you are not sure, you ought to check up on the facts. - check⇄expr. hand in one's checks, (Slang.) to die.
Ex. Beneath this tree lies the body of J. O. who ... handed in his checks on the 7th December, 1850 (Bret Harte). - check⇄expr. in check,
a. held back; controlled.
Ex. He held his temper in check.
b. (Chess.) (of a king) attacked by an opposing piece.
Ex. When your king is attacked by any piece he is said to be in check (Hardy and Ware). - check⇄expr. keep a check on,
a. to restrain.
Ex. One policeman tried to keep a check on the brawling men while the other rushed out for help.
b. to keep a watch on; keep tabs on.
Ex. The [parole] Association is not only concerned with - check⇄interj. 1. (Chess.) a call warning that the opponent's king is in danger and must be moved or protected.
2. (Informal.) OK; all right. - check⇄noun 1. a sudden stop.
Ex. The storm warning put a check to our plans for a boat ride.
(SYN) stoppage.
2. a holding back; control; restraint.
Ex. to keep a check on a child.
3. any person, thing, or event that controls or - check⇄v.i. 1. to be exactly alike when compared, usually with a duplicate or the original.
Ex. The two copies check.
2. to examine something to discover facts or prove true or right.
Ex. to check on a statement. Employers like to check on th - check⇄v.t. 1. to stop suddenly.
Ex. The boys checked their steps when they heard the floor squeak under their feet.
2a. to hold back; control; restrain.
Ex. to check a forest fire; (Figurative.) to check one's anger or a laugh.
b. to
check in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
check in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
check in Marathi मराठी
check in Sindhi سنڌي
check in Tamil தமிழ்
Check
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/tʃɛk/ (English), [ʃɛk] (French)
Definitions
- To examine something in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition.
- A written order directing a bank to pay money.
- A move in chess that directly attacks the opponent's king.
Usage Examples
- Can you check the report for errors?
- He paid the bill with a check.
- The player put his opponent's king in check.
Etymology
Derived from Old French "eschequier" meaning "to check in chess," and later adapted into Middle English.
Synonyms
- Inspect
- Examine
- Verify
Antonyms
- Ignore
- Neglect
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Vérifier | [ve.ʁi.fje] |
| Spanish | Comprobar | [kom.pɾoˈβaɾ] |
| Hindi | जांच | [d͡ʒɑ̃ːt͡ʃ] |
| Tamil | சோதனை | [soːðanai] |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The word "check" is pronounced differently across English-speaking regions, such as /tʃɛk/ in the US and /tʃɪk/ in some UK dialects.
Historical Usage
The concept of "check" has existed since medieval times, originally referring to chess moves and later applied in financial and verification contexts.
Cultural Nuances
In American culture, "check" is commonly used for financial transactions, while in British English, "cheque" is the preferred spelling.