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noun B1 Intermediate Common

inspection

ihn-SPEHK-shuhn
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Inspection (noun) means a careful, close examination of something. Example: “The teacher carried out a quick inspection of our uniforms before assembly.”

noun
1
A careful, close examination of something.
"The teacher carried out a quick inspection of our uniforms before assembly."
"The car passed its annual inspection with no issues."
"On closer inspection, the painting turned out to be a forgery."
2
A body or agency responsible for checking that rules or standards are followed.
"The health inspection flagged three violations at the restaurant."

How to use inspection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA close, official check of something to make sure it's safe, legal, or up to standard.

Common pairings
pass inspection on closer inspection safety inspection
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Word forms

Plural
inspections
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The teacher carried out a quick _____ of our uniforms before assembly.

Etymology

From Latin inspectio ("examination"), from inspicere ("to inspect").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for inspection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inspection” mean?
The word “inspection” means a careful, close examination of something. In plain terms, a close, official check of something to make sure it's safe, legal, or up to standard.
How do you pronounce “inspection”?
“Inspection” is pronounced ihn-SPEHK-shuhn (/ɪnˈspɛkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inspection” in a sentence?
Here is “inspection” used in a sentence: “The car passed its annual inspection with no issues.”
What is another word for “inspection”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inspection” include examination and scrutiny.
What part of speech is “inspection”?
“Inspection” is a noun.
Where does the word “inspection” come from?
The word “inspection” comes from Latin. From Latin inspectio ("examination"), from inspicere ("to inspect").
Is “inspection” a common word?
“Inspection” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “inspection” have?
“Inspection” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a careful, close examination of something.
What is the difference between inspection and examination?
Both mean careful looking, but inspection often implies an official check of something against rules or standards. Examination can be broader and can mean detailed study or testing, as well as close viewing.
What is the difference between inspection and audit?
An inspection is a close physical or visual examination of something to see its condition or compliance. An audit is a formal, systematic review, usually of financial records or processes rather than physical objects.
What prepositions are used with inspection?
Common patterns include 'on inspection' (as in 'on closer inspection'), 'under inspection,' 'for inspection,' and 'inspection of.' These show whether something is being examined, awaiting examination, or the object of the check.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a careful, close examination of a property's condition, typically carried out before a sale. It applies the general sense of inspection to a building and its systems.

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