verb (used with object), ex·am·ined, ex·am·in·ing.
- to inspect or scrutinize carefully: to examine a prospective purchase.
- to observe, test, or investigate (a person’s body or any part of it), especially in order to evaluate general health or determine the cause of illness.
- to inquire into or investigate: to examine one’s motives.
- to test the knowledge, reactions, or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.), as by questions or assigning tasks.
- to subject to legal inquisition; put to question in regard to conduct or to knowledge of facts; interrogate: to examine a witness; to examine a suspect.
verb (tr)
- to look at, inspect, or scrutinize carefully or in detail; investigate
- education to test the knowledge or skill of (a candidate) in (a subject or activity) by written or oral questions or by practical tests
- law to interrogate (a witness or accused person) formally on oath
- med to investigate the state of health of (a patient)
adj.late 15c., from un- (1) “not” + past participle of examine. v.c.1300, from Old French examiner “interrogate, question, torture,” from Latin examinare “to test or try; weigh, consider, ponder,” from examen “a means of weighing or testing,” probably ultimately from exigere “weigh accurately” (see exact). Related: Examined; examining. v.
- To study or analyze an organic material.
- To test or check the condition or health of.
- To determine the qualifications, aptitude, or skills of by means of questions or exercises.