Examine Meaning
Examine Definition & Usage
To look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to understand it or find out more about it.
Examples
- "The doctor will examine your eyes to check for any issues."
- "We need to examine the financial report before making any decisions."
- "She examined the painting closely to see if it was an original."
- "The scientist examined the results of the experiment to determine accuracy."
- "Police will examine the crime scene for any evidence."
To test or assess someone's knowledge or skills, usually in an academic setting.
Examples
- "The teacher will examine the students on their knowledge of the topic next week."
- "Students are required to examine the case study and present their findings."
- "The final exam will examine your understanding of all the materials covered in the course."
- "He was examined by a panel of experts during the interview."
- "The university will examine all applications before making any admissions decisions."
To inspect or check someone's body or health as part of a medical assessment.
Examples
- "The nurse will examine you to determine the cause of your symptoms."
- "After the injury, the doctor examined his leg for any fractures."
- "The vet will examine the dog to ensure it's healthy."
- "She underwent a thorough examination to check for any underlying conditions."
- "The paramedics examined the patient for signs of a heart attack."
Cultural Context
The word 'examine' comes from the Latin verb 'examinare', meaning 'to weigh' or 'to test'. In modern use, it encompasses both intellectual and physical inspections across a variety of contexts, from medicine to academia to everyday tasks.
The Eye of the Beholder
Story
The Eye of the Beholder
As dawn broke over the quiet town, Detective Marla Hughes stood at the edge of the crime scene, examining the carefully arranged evidence. It was a tricky case, and she knew that every detail mattered. Her team had already examined the area once, but her sharp eyes found something they missed: a faint, almost imperceptible trail of footprints leading into the woods. With a determined look, she motioned for her colleagues to follow, and they carefully examined the ground, ensuring not to disturb any potential clues. Hours later, back at the office, Marla sat in her dimly lit office, examining the surveillance footage once again. This time, she paused at a peculiar moment—someone in the background appeared to be watching the scene, perhaps unnoticed by others. She leaned forward, examining the figure's posture, the way they stood, the subtle movements that hinted at more than just casual interest. Marla then turned her attention to her report. She needed to examine the witness statements once more before presenting her findings to the prosecutor. The smallest inconsistency could be the key to cracking the case. The next morning, as the courtroom session began, Marla felt the weight of the examiner's gaze upon her. The judge, stern and experienced, would scrutinize every word she said. Marla was ready—she had examined every angle, every clue, every witness's word, and she was confident that the truth would prevail. As the case reached its conclusion, Marla’s team had successfully pieced together the puzzle. The perpetrator had been caught, not just by brute force, but by careful examination of the smallest details. Marla smiled, knowing that her methodical approach had led to justice.
Related Words
