test
gb/tˈɛst/ us/tˈɛst/
A2
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
An examination or assessment
A set of questions or tasks to see how much you know or can do.
Usage pattern:
take/do/pass/fail [a test]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'test' with 'exam'. 'Exam' is usually more formal or important, but both can be used in school contexts.
Synonyms
exam (Slightly more formal; often used in academic contexts.)
|
assessment (More general term, used in education and workplace evaluations.)
Antonyms
guess (Not a true opposite in form, but contrasts with the idea of measured evaluation.)
Collocations
take a test
|pass a test
|fail a test
|test results
|practice test
Themes
education
|work
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I have a driving test tomorrow.
- The students took the math test this morning.
- She passed the test with a perfect score.
- He failed the test because he didn’t study.
- The test will cover chapters 1 through 5.
Learner examples
- I have a test at school today.
- She passed the test easily.
- We will take a test in English class.
- He did not pass the driving test.
Verb
B1
action
2
To check quality or performance
To try something to see if it works well or is good.
Usage pattern:
test [something] for [quality/problem]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'test' with 'try'. 'Try' focuses on personal experience; 'test' focuses on checking function or quality.
Synonyms
check (More general and informal; can refer to quick or simple verification.)
|
trial (Often used for longer or more formal testing periods.)
Antonyms
ignore (Not paying attention to performance or quality; opposite in action.)
Collocations
test a product
|test the water
|test the system
|test for accuracy
Themes
science
|technology
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- They tested the new software before releasing it.
- The mechanic tested the brakes on my car.
- We need to test the water for bacteria.
- She tested the microphone before the speech.
Learner examples
- The doctor tested my eyes.
- He tested the new phone.
- We will test the car before buying it.
Noun
technical
B1
action
3
A scientific procedure or experiment
A planned activity in science to find out new information.
Synonyms
experiment (More general and can be broader than a controlled scientific procedure.)
Collocations
laboratory test
|blood test
|medical test
|run a test
Themes
science
|medicine
|technology
Examples
- The lab performed several tests on the sample.
- A blood test confirmed the diagnosis.
- They ran tests to check the safety of the drug.
Learner examples
- The doctor did a blood test.
- The lab made a test on the water.
- We will have a medical test next week.
Grammar
Dictionary form
test
IPA
GB/tˈɛst/
US/tˈɛst/
Syllables & stress
test (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (test)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: test
- Plural: test, tests
Verb
- Base: test
- 3rd Person Singular: tests
- Present Participle: testing
- Past: tested
Word family
Forms
Core family
tester
noun
Related words
testable
adjective
retest
verb
Negative and opposite forms
untested
adjective
Expressions
put to the test
1/pˈʊt tə ðə tˈɛst/
idiom
Challenge to prove ability/quality
To make someone or something show how good they are by facing a challenge.
Examples
- The new policy will be put to the test during the busy season.
- Her leadership skills were put to the test when the team faced a crisis.
stand the test of time
1/stˈænd ðə tˈɛst əv tˈaɪm/
idiom
Remain effective over time
To continue to be good or important for many years.
Examples
- This book has stood the test of time and is still popular today.
- Good friendships can stand the test of time.
test the waters
1/tˈɛst ðə wˈɔtɚz/
idiom
informal
Try something on small scale first
To try a small part of an idea or plan before doing all of it.
Examples
- We tested the waters by launching the product in one city first.
- She decided to test the waters before investing heavily.