test
Test (noun) means a set of questions or tasks used to check someone's knowledge or ability. Example: “She stayed up late revising for her chemistry test.”
How to use test
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo try something out, or an exercise/exam that checks how good, strong, or true something is.
Word forms
tested past tense, tested past tense, tests plural, test plural, tested plural, tests plural, Tests plural, tests singular, test singular, tested singular, testest singular, testedst singular, testeth singular, tests singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She stayed up late revising for her chemistry _____.
Etymology
From Old French test, "an earthen pot used for assaying metals", ultimately from Latin testum. Chemists once judged the purity of gold or silver by heating it in one of these small pots — "putting it to the test" — and the word later spread to mean checking anything for quality.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for test
See all rhymes for test →Frequently asked questions
What does “test” mean?
The word “test” means a set of questions or tasks used to check someone's knowledge or ability. In plain terms, to try something out, or an exercise/exam that checks how good, strong, or true something is.
How do you pronounce “test”?
“Test” is pronounced tehst (/tɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “test” in a sentence?
Here is “test” used in a sentence: “She stayed up late revising for her chemistry test.”
What is another word for “test”?
Words with a similar meaning to “test” include quiz, all one's life's worth, challenge, mountain and trial.
What is the opposite of “test”?
The opposite of “test” — its antonyms — are recess, breeze and cakewalk.
What part of speech is “test”?
Depending on how it is used, “test” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “test” come from?
The word “test” comes from Latin.
Is “test” a common word?
“Test” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a test and an exam?
A test and an exam both check knowledge or ability, but an exam is usually more formal, longer, and higher-stakes — often held at the end of a course under strict conditions. A test tends to be shorter and less formal, such as a weekly spelling test. Every exam is a test, but not every test is an exam.
What is the difference between a test and a quiz?
A quiz is a short, informal, low-stakes check, often just a few questions to review recent material. A test is longer and carries more weight, covering a wider topic and counting more towards a grade. Both assess knowledge, but a quiz is quick and light while a test is more substantial and formal.
What are the different types of test?
Tests come in many forms: written or oral, multiple-choice or essay-based, practical or theoretical. Common examples include aptitude tests, which measure potential, and achievement tests, which measure what has been learned. Outside education, 'test' also covers medical tests, driving tests, and product tests — any structured check of quality or ability.
What is the difference between a test and an assessment?
A test is one specific tool — a set of questions or tasks given at a single point in time. Assessment is the broader process of judging someone's ability, which may include tests, coursework, observation, and projects. A test can form part of an assessment, but assessment gathers evidence in many other ways too.
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