examine

ex·am·ine

verb \ig-ˈza-mən\

ex·am·inedex·am·in·ing\-ˈzam-niŋ, -ˈza-mə-\

Definition of EXAMINE

transitive verb

1

a : to inspect closely b : to test the condition of c : to inquire into carefully : investigate

2

a : to interrogate closely <examine a prisoner> b : to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination

— ex·am·in·able \-ˈza-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective

— ex·am·in·er \-ˈzam-nər, -ˈza-mə-\ noun

Examples of EXAMINE

1. An accountant has been hired to examine the company's books.
2. The police examined the evidence carefully.
3. You should have your eyes examined.
4. He was examined by several doctors, who found nothing wrong with him.

Origin of EXAMINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French examiner, from Latin examinare, from examen

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXAMINE

Synonyms: catechize, grill, interrogate, pump, query, question, quiz, sweat [slang], give the third degree to, pick the brains of

Related Words: debrief; cross-examine, cross-question; annoy, harass, hound, pester; canvass (also canvas), poll

Near Antonyms: skim; glance (at or over); miss, overlook

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at scrutinize

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

Rhymes with EXAMINE

backgammon