verb

• 1Inspect (someone or something) thoroughly in order to determine their nature or condition.

  ‘a doctor examined me and said I might need a caesarean’

  More example sentences

  • ‘this forced us to examine every facet of our business’
  • ‘Fire investigators will examine the building thoroughly to determine how the fire started.’
  • ‘The doctor can examine the size and texture of the lump and determine whether the lump moves easily.’
  • ‘Today, building inspectors were examining the sub-post office in a row of cottages to see if the wall where the machine was fitted is safe.’
  • ‘We will be thoroughly examining the processes being used to carry out this research.’
  • ‘At the moment the Corporation has one part-time inspector, who examines rented properties around the City.’
  • ‘Security personnel thoroughly examined all vehicles entering the House complex.’
  • ‘But the important first step was to examine it critically and determine its truth.’
  • ‘A local government pay commission has been set up to examine the pay and conditions of council workers.’
  • ‘However, he said that he would make a report, and that an inspector would examine the area.’
  • ‘Another approach is to examine the area thoroughly, with the benefit of informative and informed opinion.’
  • ‘Letting his emotions get a hold of him and speaking without thoroughly examining the situation.’
  • ‘The possible presence of pollenkitt was determined by examining fresh pollen with an optical microscope.’
  • ‘He took his reins and went up to the rail, making a show of examining the Arabian thoroughly.’
  • ‘This paper carefully and thoroughly examines the numerical relationships between the two documents.’
  • ‘On the other hand, a truly creative person thoroughly examines the failure to identify what went wrong and why.’
  • ‘This editorial examines the evidence to determine whether such treatment is justified.’
  • ‘Bone marrow smears were examined to determine the extent of genotoxicity after particular treatment times.’
  • ‘Yes, must look and thoroughly examine the present state of cuticles.’
  • ‘They say that there should be an independent prison inspector to examine the situation.’
  • ‘She was worried because the tot had just been discharged from hospital after doctors had to examine a lump in her neck.’
  • ‘This study examines social location to explore the impact it may or may not have on fathering styles.’

  Synonyms

  inspect, survey, scrutinize, look at, look into, inquire into, study, investigate, scan, sift, delve into, dig into, explore, probe, check out, consider, appraise, weigh, weigh up, analyse, review, vet

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• 2Test the knowledge or proficiency of (someone) by requiring them to answer questions or perform tasks.

  ‘the colleges set standards by examining candidates’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Every aspect of Davies's managerial ability will be examined in answering those questions.’
  • ‘As well as examining their overall mechanical performance, the tests sought to test the ideas generated in the last section.’
  • ‘Another characteristic of this view of music education is an emphasis on testing and examining.’
  • ‘Through the diary we know how well every student that Steklov examined performed in their examination.’
  • ‘Among all these tests, one of the areas of function that is examined most scrupulously is mental ability.’

  Synonyms

  test, quiz, question, set an examination for

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• 3Law
  Formally question (a defendant or witness) in court.

  Compare with cross-examine

  ‘The Petitioner's solicitor did request an adjournment to examine the Respondent.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘The plaintiffs were examined for discovery for three days and the Hull defendants for three days.’
  • ‘Inquests are usually held in public, with witnesses being examined by the coroner and interested parties.’
  • ‘The Appellant was examined by Dr. Reeves a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist for the Defence.’
  • ‘He summons and examines the appellant; he may consult another practitioner.’
  • ‘No one appears to have examined the complainant for any injuries and we conclude that there were none.’
  • ‘Newbrook will be formally examined by defense committee lawyers in the near future.’
  • ‘If they speak to sheriff's officers and so on, we go into all these things and they are examined in courts of law.’
  • ‘One therefore turns to examine whether the Claimant can pray in aid any words added by amendment to the Convention.’
  • ‘Sloane is one of the other and Ranse is the other; they were both examined by Justice Powell.’

  Synonyms

  interrogate, put questions to, ask questions of, quiz, question, cross-examine, cross-question

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