[syn: test, prove, try, try out, examine, essay]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Examine \Ex*am"ine\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Examined; p. pr. &
vb. n. Examining.] [L. examinare, examinatum, fr. examen,
examinis: cf. F. examiner. See Examen.]
1. To test by any appropriate method; to inspect carefully
with a view to discover the real character or state of; to
subject to inquiry or inspection of particulars for the
purpose of obtaining a fuller insight into the subject of
examination, as a material substance, a fact, a reason, a
cause, the truth of a statement; to inquire or search
into; to explore; as, to examine a mineral; to examine a
ship to know whether she is seaworthy; to examine a
proposition, theory, or question.
[1913 Webster]
Examine well your own thoughts. --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
Examine their counsels and their cares. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To interrogate as in a judicial proceeding; to try or test
by question; as, to examine a witness in order to elicit
testimony, a student to test his qualifications, a
bankrupt touching the state of his property, etc.
[1913 Webster]
The offenders that are to be examined. --Shak.
Syn: To discuss; debate; scrutinize; search into;
investigate; explore. See Discuss.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
examine
v 1: consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to
discover essential features or meaning; "analyze a sonnet
by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a criminal
trial"; "analyze your real motives" [syn: analyze,
analyse, study, examine, canvass, canvas]
2: observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect; "The
customs agent examined the baggage"; "I must see your
passport before you can enter the country" [syn: examine,
see]
3: question or examine thoroughly and closely [syn: probe,
examine]
4: question closely
5: put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use
to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test
this recipe" [syn: test, prove, try, try out,
examine, essay]