Reading Theme:
Exam Meaning, Examples, and Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：Formal test (exam)
exam
/ɪɡˈzæm/
n.
A formal test at school or university to see how much you have learned.
Formal test
➕
/ˈfɔːrməl tɛst/
n.
A formal assessment of a student's knowledge or skills in an academic subject, typically taken in a classroom setting.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Latin 'examinare' (to weigh) from 'ex-' (out) + 'agmen' (crowd/balance).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine 'X' marks the spot where you 'am' tested – X-am.
📖 Example
She felt nervous before the final exam, but all her hard work paid off with a high score.
She was nervous before the final test, but her hard work resulted in a high score.
🔗 Collocations
final exam – the last and most important test of a course
take an exam – to participate in a formal test
exam results – the scores or grades from a test
🔄 Synonyms
test (n.) – a procedure intended to establish quality or performance
examination (n.) – a detailed inspection or study, often a formal test
assessment (n.) – the evaluation of a person's abilities or performance
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
examine (v.) – to inspect or test carefully
examination (n.) – the act of testing or inspecting
examiner (n.) – a person who conducts an exam
📖 Cultural Story
Latin 'examen' meant the tongue of a balance scale. 'Examinare' evolved to 'weigh carefully'. By the 1600s, 'examination' referred to testing knowledge.
Meaning 2：Medical checkup (exam)
exam
/ɪɡˈzæm/
n.
A series of tests at a hospital or clinic to check your health.
Medical checkup
➕
/ˈmɛdɪkəl ˈtʃɛkʌp/
n.
A thorough physical assessment performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate a patient's health status.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
During my annual health check-up, the doctor gave me a thorough physical exam.
During my annual health check, the doctor conducted a comprehensive physical assessment.
🔗 Collocations
physical exam – a medical examination of the body
routine exam – a regular checkup performed periodically
eye exam – a test of vision and eye health
🔄 Synonyms
checkup (n.) – a medical examination to test general health
screening (n.) – a test to detect a specific disease or condition
consultation (n.) – a meeting with a doctor for advice or examination
🚫 Antonyms
neglect (n.) – failure to care for one's health
self-treatment (n.) – treating oneself without professional medical advice
🌱 Derivatives
examine (v.) – to inspect or test carefully
examination (n.) – the act of testing or inspecting
examiner (n.) – a person who conducts an exam
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