examine English · revision 6975

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1303|origins=la examen}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is Middle English examinen, [[bor|fro|examiner|t=to test, try]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[la|examino|alt=exāmināre|t=to weigh accurately, test]], from [[m|la|examen|t=tongue of a balance; a means of weighing]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) probably from [[m|la|exigo|alt=exigere|t=to drive out; to measure]], from [[m|la|ex|t=out]] and [[m|la|ago|alt=agere|t=to drive]] (see [[exact]]).^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To test or question, inquire: 1303, in Mannyng's ''Handlyng Synne''.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) Etymonline dates it to about 1300.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ To test precious metals is from before 1340,^(OED 1989) and to inspect or scrutinize something carefully from about 1330 to the mid-14th century.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) To inquire into a question is from 1382.^(OED 1989) To question a witness in court is from the early 15th century,^(Etymonline) and to test a pupil's knowledge by questions is an early sense.^(Etymonline) A noun examine, an examination, is from 1605 and now historical except in Scots.^(OED 1989)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1303 – to inquire.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1330 – to inspect carefully.^(OED 1989)

+ * before 1340 – to assay metals.^(OED 1989)

+ * early 15th century – to question a witness.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To inspect or study closely to find out about something; to [[scrutinize]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To test someone's knowledge by questions or exercises.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To check someone's health or body for disease.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(law)'' To question a witness formally.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[examinable]]

+ * [[examiner]]

+ * [[examiningly]]

+ * [[cross-examine]]

+ * [[unexaminable]]

+ * [[examinee]]

+ * [[preexamine]]

+ * [[unexamined]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[exam]]

+ * [[examen]]

+ * [[examinant]]

+ * [[examination]]

+ * [[exact]]

+ * [[agent]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}