examine

examineverb

To examine something or someone is to look at them or test them closely to find out the facts.

1. look closelylook at something carefully to learn about it or to find something

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh]

   • She examined the ring carefully. V + obj
   • Police examined the car for fingerprints. V + obj + prep + obj
   • We need to examine why the plan failed. V + wh
   • The report examines the causes of the problem. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + adverb examine carefully, examine closely, examine in detail

   verb + noun examine the evidence, examine the data, examine a problem

   Synonyms inspect; study; check

   Compare check

2. of a doctorlook at and check someone's body to find out if they are healthy or what is wrong

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] medicine

   • The doctor examined her and found nothing wrong. V + obj
   • You should have your eyes examined every year. V + obj (have something examined)
   • The nurse examined the cut on his leg. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun examine a patient, examine someone's eyes

   phrase be examined by a doctor

3. testtest what someone knows by asking questions

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] formaleducation

   • Students will be examined on everything in the course. V + obj + prep + obj (passive)
   • Candidates are examined in three subjects. V + obj + prep + obj (passive)

   Collocations

   verb + preposition examine someone on something, examine someone in something

   Synonyms test