Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈspɛkʃən/

Definitions

• The act of examining something carefully and thoroughly, especially to ensure it meets certain standards or requirements.
• A formal examination of something by a qualified individual, often for the purpose of evaluation or quality control.
• The process of assessing something’s condition or status, typically with an eye toward detecting issues or defects.

Usage Examples

• "The inspection of the building revealed several structural issues that needed repair."
• "She scheduled a weekly inspection of the machinery to ensure everything was working properly."

Etymology

From the Latin "inspectio," meaning "a looking into," derived from "inspicere," which means "to look into" or "to examine closely." The word came into English usage during the 15th century.

Synonyms

• Examination
• Review
• Audit
• Check
• Assessment

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Disregard
• Overlook
• Ignore

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the pronunciation tends to emphasize the first syllable, while British English may pronounce it more evenly across the syllables.

Historical Usage

In the early 16th century, "inspection" was used to describe formal audits of financial records. Over time, it expanded to include the examination of all types of objects, systems, and processes, including machinery, buildings, and documents.

Cultural Nuances

In industries like manufacturing and construction, an inspection is crucial for ensuring that safety standards are met. In education, inspection may refer to the assessment of teaching quality or institutional performance.

More Information

The term "inspection" is widely used across various sectors, from engineering to law enforcement. Inspections can be scheduled or surprise, and their purpose is generally to prevent failure, ensure safety, or verify compliance with standards. In professional contexts, inspections are often formalized, with checklists and specific procedures for documentation and reporting of findings.