Examined

ɪɡˈzæmɪnd

verbBeginnerVery CommonAcademic

Definitions

1

To look at something closely and carefully to learn more about it.

ɪɡˈzæmɪn

verbneutralBeginner
Academic

To inspect or scrutinize something carefully

The scientist examined the sample under a microscope.

💡 Simply: Think of it like being a detective. When you examine something, you're looking at it super closely to find out what's going on, like when you check a toy to see how it works, or your pet to make sure it's okay.

👶 For kids: To look at something very carefully to see what it is or how it works.

More Examples

2

The lawyer examined the evidence presented in court.

3

She carefully examined the contract before signing it.

How It's Used

Medical

"The doctor examined the patient's wound."

Academic

"The students were preparing for the examination."

Forensic

"The detective examined the crime scene for clues."

From Middle English *examen*, from Old French *examen*, from Latin *examen* ('the tongue of a balance, examination, inquiry'), from *exāmināre* ('to weigh, examine'), from *ex-* ('out') + *āmen* ('scale').

The verb "examine" has been used since the 14th century to denote the act of investigating or scrutinizing something.

Memory tip

Imagine using a magnifying glass (X-AMINE) to carefully inspect something.

Word Origin

Root: examen

exaimedexamindexsamined

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written