examine Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
canvas; study; analyse; canvass; analyze.
- analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare
- analyze the evidence in a criminal trial
- analyze your real motives
verb observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect
see.
- The customs agent examined the baggage
- I must see your passport before you can enter the country
verb question or examine thoroughly and closely
probe.
verb question closely
verb put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
essay; prove; try; try out; test.
- This approach has been tried with good results
- Test this recipe

L. examinare, examinatum, fr. examen, examinis: cf. F. examiner. See Examen.

imperfect & past participle Examined ; present participle & verbal noun Examining

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.
Examine well your own thoughts. Chaucer.

Examine their counsels and their cares. Shak.
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.
The offenders that are to be examined. Shak.
Syn. -- To discuss; debate; scrutinize; search into; investigate; explore. See Discuss.