exam
gb/ɪɡzˈæm/ us/ɪɡzˈæm/
A2
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A formal test of knowledge
A test you take to show what you know or can do, often in school or for a job.
Usage pattern:
to take [an exam]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exam' with 'exercise'. An 'exam' is a formal test, while an 'exercise' is a practice activity.
Synonyms
test (The most common general synonym; 'exam' is often more formal or used for important tests.)
|
assessment (More formal and broader, can include non-test evaluations.)
Antonyms
practice (Opposite in the sense that practice is preparation without formal evaluation.)
Collocations
take an exam
|pass an exam
|fail an exam
|sit an exam
|prepare for an exam
Themes
education
|work
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She studied all weekend for her math exam.
- I have to take my driving exam next month.
- The final exam will cover all the topics from this semester.
- He failed the chemistry exam and must retake it.
- The teacher handed out the exam papers at 9 a.m.
Learner examples
- I have an English exam tomorrow.
- He passed his driving exam.
- We are studying for the history exam.
- The exam starts at ten o’clock.
Grammar
Expressions
fail an exam
1/fˈeɪl ən ɪɡzˈæm/
fixed phrase
Be unsuccessful in a formal test
To get too low a score on a test and not be successful.
Examples
- She failed her driving exam twice before passing.
- Failing the exam means you have to take it again.
pass an exam
1/pˈæs ən ɪɡzˈæm/
fixed phrase
Succeed in a formal test
To get a good enough score on a test so you are successful.
Examples
- He passed the entrance exam with high marks.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
prepare for an exam
1/pɹipˈɛɹ fɚ ən ɪɡzˈæm/
fixed phrase
Get ready for a formal test
To study or practice so you are ready for a test.
Examples
- She is preparing for her medical licensing exam.
- We spent weeks preparing for the final exams.
sit an exam
1/sˈɪt ən ɪɡzˈæm/
fixed phrase
formal
Take part in a formal written test
To take a written test, often used in British English.
Examples
- Students will sit their final exams in June.
- I sat my first university exam last year.
take an exam
1/tˈeɪk ən ɪɡzˈæm/
fixed phrase
Participate in a formal test
To do an official test to show what you know or can do.
Examples
- I have to take an exam in biology next week.
- She took her final exams before the summer break.