What is examine? Pronunciation and usage in English

examine means . Learn how to pronounce and use examine through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of examine

examineverb

/ɪɡˈzamɪn//ɛɡˈzamɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of examine

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "examine" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • ex-: This part sounds like "eks" – like the beginning of "exist."
  • -amine: This is the trickier part. It's pronounced approximately like “uh-min.”

2. Putting it Together:

The full pronunciation is: eks-uh-min

3. Breakdown with Emphasis:

  • eks: (short “e” sound, like in “bed”) – give it a little more emphasis here
  • uh: (a short, neutral “uh” sound - like the “a” in “about”)
  • min: (like the word "mine" - rhymes with "fine")

4. Listen to Examples:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't stress the "a" in "amine": It's a short, unstressed "uh" sound. Over-emphasizing it will make it sound wrong.
  • Flow is key: Try to say it smoothly, connecting the "eks" and "uh-min."

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some examples of the word used in sentences so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word examine in English

Let's break down how to use the word "examine" in English. It's a versatile word with slightly different nuances depending on the context. Here's a comprehensive explanation:

1. Core Meaning: To Inspect Carefully

At its most basic, "examine" means to look at something closely and thoroughly to understand its details, condition, or nature. Think of it as a more detailed kind of looking.

  • Example: "The doctor will examine you to check for any signs of illness." (Looking closely for symptoms)
  • Example: "I need to examine this document before I sign it." (Reviewing the details carefully)

2. Different Contexts & Subtle Differences

Here's how "examine" can be used in different situations, with slight variations in meaning:

  • Formal/Academic (Most Common): This is often the context where you'll see "examine" used. It implies a detailed investigation, especially in research, education, or legal settings.

    • Example: "The professor will examine the student’s essay for grammatical errors and arguments." (A critical and thorough review)
    • Example: "Scientists are examining the data to identify trends." (Detailed analysis)
    • Example: "The court will examine the evidence presented by both sides." (Careful scrutiny)

  • Medical: Specifically refers to a physical examination by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

    • Example: "She underwent a thorough examination at the hospital."

  • Legal: Used in legal proceedings to analyze evidence.

    • Example: "The lawyer examined the witness’s testimony for inconsistencies."

  • To Investigate/Probe: Suggests a more active investigation, trying to uncover something.

    • Example: "The police are examining the crime scene for clues." (Searching for evidence)

  • To Consider Carefully: Less common, but sometimes used to describe reflecting on something.

    • Example: “Let’s examine the pros and cons before making a decision.” (Seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages)

3. Related Words & Phrases

  • Examine closely: Emphasizes the thoroughness of the inspection.
  • Examine thoroughly: Similar to “examine closely.”
  • Examine into: To investigate a matter. ("The police examined into the matter of the theft.")
  • Examine for: To look for something specific. ("Examine the report for errors.")

4. "Examine" vs. "Inspect" vs. "Check"

These words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

  • Examine: Implies a more detailed and critical assessment.
  • Inspect: Often relates to looking at something to ensure it meets a standard or is in good condition. (e.g., "Inspect the machinery.")
  • Check: A quick and superficial look to see if something is correct or present. (e.g., "Check your tickets.")

5. Grammatical Notes

  • Verb: "Examine" is almost always a verb.
  • Past Tense: examined
  • Past Participle: examined
  • Present Participle: examining

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., academic essay, email, casual conversation)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you want to use "examine"?

Synonyms for the word examine

Idioms of the word examine

need (to have) your head examined
(informal)to be crazy

    Practice with vocabulary examine

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. Before making a diagnosis, the physician must thoroughly ______ the symptoms.
    2. The research team plans to ______ the correlation between sleep patterns and cognitive performance.
    3. During the field trip, students were encouraged to ______ the behavior of local wildlife from a distance.
    4. The project manager decided to ______ the progress of each team member before the quarterly review.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. The quality control department must ______ every finished product for defects before shipment. a) inspect b) ignore c) examine d) glance e) scrutinize

    2. Researchers need to ______ the complex data set to identify emerging patterns. a) analyze b) skim c) examine d) disregard e) interpret

    3. During the legal proceedings, the lawyer requested to ______ the witness under oath. a) question b) interrogate c) challenge d) observe e) examine

    4. Before purchasing the property, it's crucial to ______ its market value and potential for appreciation. a) gauge b) dismiss c) evaluate d) ignore e) estimate

    5. The journalist promised to ______ the allegations of corruption within the municipal government. a) investigate b) invent c) overlook d) probe e) dismiss

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The technician checked all the components of the machine very carefully for any signs of wear. Rewrite using "examine" or a related word form:

    2. Original: Before making a final decision, the board decided to give careful consideration to all the implications of the new policy. Rewrite using "examine":

    3. Original: The police are trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious disappearance. Rewrite (do NOT use "examine"):

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. examine
    2. examine
    3. observe
    4. review

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. a) inspect, c) examine, e) scrutinize
    2. a) analyze, c) examine, e) interpret
    3. a) question, e) examine
    4. a) gauge, c) evaluate, e) estimate
    5. a) investigate, d) probe

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The technician needed to perform a thorough examination of all the components for signs of wear.
    2. Before making a final decision, the board decided to examine all the implications of the new policy carefully.
    3. The police are trying to investigate the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

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