Examination vs. Examine

Attribute	Examination	Examine
Definition	A formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a subject or skill	To inspect or scrutinize closely
Process	Usually involves answering questions or completing tasks to demonstrate understanding or ability	Usually involves observing, analyzing, or evaluating something or someone
Objective	To assess the knowledge or skills of an individual	To gather information or make a judgment about something
Outcome	Results in a grade, score, or evaluation of performance	Results in a conclusion or assessment of the thing being examined
Typical Context	Educational settings, professional certifications, medical evaluations	Scientific research, forensic investigations, quality control processes

Definition

Examination and examine are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Examination refers to the act of inspecting or scrutinizing something closely in order to assess its quality, condition, or accuracy. It can also refer to a formal test or assessment that evaluates a person's knowledge or skills. On the other hand, examine is a verb that means to inspect or scrutinize something in order to understand it better or to find out more information about it.

Usage

Examination is typically used as a noun, while examine is used as a verb. For example, you might say, "I have an examination tomorrow," to refer to a test you have to take. On the other hand, you might say, "I need to examine the evidence more closely," to indicate that you need to inspect the evidence in more detail. In this way, examination is often associated with formal assessments or tests, while examine is more commonly used in a general sense of inspecting or analyzing something.

Scope

Examination tends to have a broader scope than examine. When you refer to an examination, you are usually talking about a comprehensive assessment or evaluation of something. This could be a test that covers a wide range of topics or a thorough inspection of a person's health. Examine, on the other hand, is more focused on the act of inspecting or analyzing something in a specific context. For example, you might examine a piece of evidence in a criminal investigation or examine a patient's symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Formality

Examination is often associated with formal assessments or tests that have specific rules and procedures. It is commonly used in academic or professional settings to refer to tests that evaluate a person's knowledge or skills. Examine, on the other hand, is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. You might examine a piece of art at a museum or examine a new recipe you want to try. In this way, examine is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of situations.

Depth

Examination typically implies a more thorough or in-depth analysis than examine. When you conduct an examination, you are usually looking at something in detail and assessing it carefully. This could involve reviewing all aspects of a situation or object to gain a comprehensive understanding. Examine, on the other hand, can refer to a more superficial or cursory inspection. You might examine a document quickly to get a general sense of its contents, without delving into every detail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, examination and examine are two related words that have distinct meanings and uses. Examination is typically used as a noun to refer to a formal assessment or evaluation, while examine is a verb that means to inspect or scrutinize something. Examination tends to have a broader scope and is often associated with formal assessments, while examine is more versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts. Additionally, examination implies a more thorough analysis than examine. By understanding the differences between these two words, you can use them more effectively in your writing and communication.