/ ɪgˈzæmɪn; NAmE / verb
1.
to consider or study an idea, a subject, etc. very carefully :
[ vn ]
These ideas will be examined in more detail in Chapter 10.
[ v wh- ]
It is necessary to examine how the proposals can be carried out.
2.
[ vn ] ~ sth/sb (for sth) to look at sth/sb closely, to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem :
The goods were examined for damage on arrival.
The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.
➡ note at check
3.
[ vn ] ~ sb (in / on sth) ( formal ) to give sb a test to see how much they know about a subject or what they can do :
The students will be examined in all subjects at the end of term.
You are only being examined on this semester's work.
4.
[ vn ] ( law ) to ask sb questions formally, especially in court
—see also cross-examine
•
IDIOMS
see need verb
••
SYNONYMS
examine
review ♦ study ♦ take stock ♦ survey
These words all mean to think about, study or describe sb/sth carefully, especially in order to understand them, form an opinion of them or make a decision about them.
examine
to think about, study or describe an idea, subject or piece of work very carefully:
These ideas will be examined in more detail in Chapter 10.
review
to examine sth again, especially so that you can decide if it is necessary to make changes:
The government will review the situation later in the year.
study
to examine sb/sth in order to understand them or it:
We will study the report carefully before making a decision.
examine or study?
You examine sth in order to understand it or to help other people understand it, for example by describing it in a book; you study sth in order to understand it yourself.
take stock (of sth)
to think carefully about the way in which a particular situation is developing in order to decide what to do next:
It was time to stand back and take stock of his career.
survey
to examine and give a general description of sth:
This chapter briefly surveys the current state of European politics.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
to examine / review / study / take stock of / survey what / how / whether...
to examine / review / study / take stock of / survey the situation
to examine / review / study / survey the evidence
to examine / review / study / take stock of / survey sth briefly / regularly
to examine / review / study sth carefully / systematically / thoroughly / fully / further
to examine / review / study sth closely / in depth / in detail
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French examiner , from Latin examinare weigh, test, from examen examination.