verb

examine

ihg-ZA-mihn

verb

To look at or study something closely and carefully.

"The detective examined the letter for hidden clues."

To check someone's health or a thing's condition.

"The vet examined the dog's leg for any sign of a fracture."

To test someone's knowledge or skills formally.

"Students are examined at the end of every term."

To question someone closely, especially in a legal setting.

"The lawyer examined the witness for nearly an hour."

How to Use Examine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo look at, test, or question something or someone very carefully.

Common pairings

examine closely examine a patient examine the evidence

examined past tense, examines plural, examines singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The detective _____ the letter for hidden clues.

From Old French examiner, from Latin examinare, "to weigh, test, consider carefully."

pore over undersee analyze check inspect thresh look over luster lustrate overlook probe scrutinate

fail to notice ignore

listen forget whip ignore watch check focus oppose

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine Eine thine

pore over undersee analyze check inspect thresh look over luster lustrate overlook probe scrutinate