Check
/tʃɛk/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo examine something carefully to ensure accuracy or completeness.
/tʃɛk/
To examine something for accuracy or completeness.
Check your spelling before sending the email.
💡 Simply: Checking is like making sure everything is okay. Like checking if your shoelaces are tied before you run, or checking your homework before handing it in.
👶 For kids: To look at something carefully to see if it's right.
More Examples
I need to check the oil in my car.
How It's Used
"I need to check my bank balance."
"Please check your work before submitting it."
A written order for a bank to pay a specified sum of money to a person named on it.
/tʃɛk/
A written order directing a bank to pay money.
I wrote a check for $100.
💡 Simply: A check is like a slip of paper that tells the bank to give money to someone. It's how people used to pay for things.
👶 For kids: A paper that tells the bank to give money to someone.
More Examples
He cashed the check.
How It's Used
"I paid the bill with a check."
A mark (✔) used to indicate something as correct, completed, or selected.
/tʃɛk/
A mark or sign used to indicate something, often in a form.
Put a check next to your name.
💡 Simply: A check is like a little mark you make to show you did something. Like a checkmark next to your name when you're present.
👶 For kids: A little mark to show something is done.
More Examples
I checked all the boxes on the form.
How It's Used
"He put a check next to the completed tasks."
Idioms & expressions
check out
To leave a place; to investigate or examine.
"I'm checking out of the hotel tomorrow."
From Middle English cheken, from Old French chequer ('to examine, verify'), from Old North French eschequer ('exchequer'), ultimately of Germanic origin.
The word 'check' in the sense of a written order for payment emerged in the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of a bird checking its feathers – careful and thorough examination.
Word Origin
"to examine, verify"