Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/

Definitions

• To inspect or look at something closely and carefully in order to understand or assess it.
• To investigate or analyze something in detail, often with a critical or scholarly approach.
• To assess or evaluate the quality or condition of something, especially in an academic or professional context.

Usage Examples

• "The doctor will examine the patient to determine the cause of the symptoms."
• "We need to examine the report closely before making a decision."
• "The student was asked to examine the historical context of the novel."

Etymology

From the Latin word "examinare," meaning "to weigh" or "to test," which in turn comes from "examen," meaning "a weighing" or "a test." The word evolved in Old French as "examiner," meaning to examine or scrutinize, and was adopted into English in the 16th century with the same meaning. The term originally referred to weighing or assessing the importance of something before giving judgment.

Synonyms

• Inspect
• Scrutinize
• Investigate
• Analyze
• Evaluate

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Overlook
• Neglect
• Disregard
• Miss

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the "x" sound in "examine" is pronounced as a hard "z" (/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/), while in some British dialects, it may sound softer and closer to "eksamine."
• In Australian English, there may be a slight reduction in vowel sounds, making "examine" sound shorter and crisper.
• In Indian English, the word might be pronounced with a more defined emphasis on each syllable, like "e-xam-in-ate."

Historical Usage

“Examine” has been in use since the 14th century and has undergone minimal change in its spelling or meaning. Initially, it referred to the process of evaluating or assessing something, especially in judicial or academic contexts. The word was used to describe formal inquiries and investigations, such as judicial examinations and scholarly studies. Over time, its usage expanded to cover any form of detailed inspection or scrutiny in various disciplines, including science, law, and education.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the process of examining something is closely tied to notions of thoroughness, judgment, and evaluation. In academic and professional settings, examinations (whether written, oral, or practical) are often seen as a primary method of measuring ability, knowledge, and competency. In some cultures, this emphasis on examination can create high stress and competition, particularly in education systems that prioritize exams as a central metric for success. In other contexts, such as in scientific or legal studies, examination is valued for its precision and objectivity in uncovering truths.

More Information

The verb "examine" continues to play a vital role in numerous fields, from education to medicine and law. In educational settings, it serves as a key component of formal assessments, determining whether students meet learning objectives. In the medical field, the act of examining patients is a critical process for diagnosing illnesses and developing treatment plans. Moreover, in the legal realm, examining witnesses and evidence is fundamental to the pursuit of justice. As such, the word "examine" carries with it connotations of responsibility, diligence, and thoroughness across various domains.