examine
gb/ɪɡzˈæmɪn/ us/ɪɡzˈæmɪn/
B1
Anglais
~ 1200
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
B1
action
1
Look at closely for information
To look at something very carefully to learn more about it or find problems.
Schéma d’usage :
to examine [something] carefully
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'examine' with 'test' — 'examine' means to look at or check, while 'test' means to try something to see if it works or to measure ability.
Synonymes
inspect (Often used for physical checking, especially for quality or safety.)
|
study (Focuses more on careful mental attention over time.)
Antonymes
ignore (To deliberately not look at or pay attention to something.)
Collocations
examine evidence
|examine details
|examine closely
|examine the situation
|examine thoroughly
Thèmes
learning
|science
|daily life
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The detective examined the crime scene for clues.
- Please examine the document before you sign it.
- The doctor examined the patient’s leg for signs of injury.
- She examined the painting under a bright light.
- We examined the proposal carefully before making a decision.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The teacher examined the homework.
- He examined the photo closely.
- The doctor examined my arm.
- She examined the box for damage.
- We examined the list of names.
Verbe
B2
action
2
Test knowledge or ability
To give someone a test to see what they know or can do.
Schéma d’usage :
to examine [someone] in [a subject]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse 'examine' with 'study' — 'study' means to learn, but 'examine' means to test what has been learned.
Synonymes
test (Most common everyday word; less formal than 'examine'.)
|
assess (More formal; can include broader evaluation beyond tests.)
Antonymes
coach (To teach and prepare someone instead of testing them.)
Collocations
examine students
|examine candidates
|examine orally
|examine formally
Thèmes
education
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The board will examine the applicants in mathematics.
- They examined the pilots on their knowledge of safety procedures.
- The teacher examined the class on last week’s material.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The teacher will examine us in history.
- They will examine the new workers.
- She examined me in English.
- The school will examine all students next week.
Verbe
B1
action
3
Check physical condition closely
To look at something carefully, sometimes touching it, to see its condition.
Schéma d’usage :
to examine [object] for [problem/feature]
Synonymes
check (More general and less formal; can be quick or detailed.)
|
scrutinize (Implies very detailed and critical examination.)
Antonymes
overlook (To fail to notice something when checking.)
Collocations
examine goods
|examine machinery
|examine luggage
Thèmes
daily life
|safety
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Customs officers examined the bags for illegal items.
- She examined the car for scratches before buying it.
- The jeweler examined the diamond under a magnifying glass.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He examined the shoes for holes.
- They examined my bag at the airport.
- The mechanic examined the car engine.
- I examined my phone for damage.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
examine
API
GB/ɪɡzˈæmɪn/
US/ɪɡzˈæmɪn/
Syllabes et accentuation
ex - am - ine (3 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (am)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: examine
- 3rd Person Singular: examines
- Present Participle: examining
- Past: examined
Famille de mots
Forms
examines
verb
examining
verb
examined
verb
Core family
Related words
examinee
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
unexamined
adjective
Advanced or less common
examinable
adjective
Expressions
cross-examine
1/kɹˈɔs ɪɡzˈæmɪn/
phrasal verb
Question in court after other lawyer
To ask someone many questions in court after another lawyer has already asked them questions.
Exemples
- The defense lawyer will cross-examine the witness tomorrow.
- She was cross-examined by the prosecutor for over an hour.
examine in detail
1/ɪɡzˈæmɪn ˈɪn dˈiteɪl/
fixed phrase
Look at every part carefully
To look closely at all parts of something to understand it well.
Exemples
- We will examine in detail how the system works.
- The report examines in detail the causes of the problem.
examine under a microscope
1/ɪɡzˈæmɪn ˈʌndɚ ə mˈaɪkɹoʊskˌoʊp/
fixed phrase
technical
Look at with microscope
To look at something using a microscope so you can see very small details.
Exemples
- The scientist examined the bacteria under a microscope.
- We examined the fabric fibers under a microscope.