test
test
Pronunciation
/tɛst/
test:
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
Word Form Variations
Noun
Singular: test
Plural: tests
Verb
Base Form: test
Present Participle: testing
Past Simple: tested
Past Participle: tested
Third Person Singular Present: tests
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something.
Synonyms: examination, assessment, evaluation, trial, experiment, check, inspection
Antonyms: (It's difficult to provide a direct antonym for "test". Perhaps "neglect" or "disregard" in the sense of failing to assess something.)
Definition 2: A set of questions or exercises designed to measure someone's knowledge, skills, or abilities.
Synonyms: exam, quiz, assessment, evaluation
Antonyms: (Similarly to definition 1, a true antonym is tricky. Maybe "observation" if you're contrasting active assessment with passive watching.)
Verb
Definition 1: To subject something or someone to a test; to evaluate or assess.
Synonyms: examine, assess, evaluate, try, check, investigate, analyze, scrutinize
Antonyms: ignore, neglect, disregard, overlook
Definition 2: (In scientific contexts) To use a specific procedure to identify or detect the presence of a substance.
Synonyms: analyze, screen, assay
Antonyms: (Again, a direct antonym is challenging. Maybe "conceal" in the sense of hiding the presence of a substance.)
Examples of Use
Books:
Fiction: "He had to pass the test, the ultimate test of his loyalty." (Any dystopian novel where characters face trials, e.g., Divergent, The Hunger Games)
Non-Fiction: "The Turing test is a method of inquiry in artificial intelligence (AI) for determining whether or not a computer is capable of thinking like a human being." (Computing Machinery and Intelligence by Alan Turing)
Newspapers:
"The new missile defense system underwent a series of rigorous tests last week." (Defense news article, source: hypothetical)
"Students across the state are preparing for standardized tests that will determine their academic placement." (Education article, source: hypothetical)
Online Publications:
"Researchers are testing a new drug that could potentially cure Alzheimer's disease." (Medical news website, e.g., WebMD)
"Consumer Reports tests hundreds of products each year to help shoppers make informed decisions." (Product review website, e.g., Consumer Reports)
Entertainment:
Movies: "This is not a drill! This is a test!" (Disaster movie, e.g., San Andreas)
Video Games: "The player must complete a series of tests to unlock new levels and abilities." (Puzzle game, e.g., Portal)
Music: "Put your love to the test." (Song lyrics, e.g., "The Greatest" by Sia)
General Public Discourse:
Education: "My child is stressed about their upcoming spelling test." (Parent-teacher conversation)
Workplace: "We're testing a new marketing campaign to see how it performs." (Marketing team meeting)
Healthcare: "The doctor ordered a blood test to check for infection." (Doctor-patient interaction)
Relationships: "Long-distance relationships can really test a couple's commitment." (Casual conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Test
"The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children." — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Character is both developed and revealed by tests." — Rick Warren
"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority; the test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority." — Ralph W. Sockman
"The true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis." — Brian Tracy
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. That is the real test." — Confucius
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." — F. Scott Fitzgerald
"A test of a person’s character is how they treat those who can do nothing for them." — Malcolm S. Forbes
"Life is a test. It is only a test. Had it been an actual life, you would have received further instructions on where to go and what to do." — Unknown (humorous quote often seen in motivational posters)
"The test of true civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops — no, but the kind of man the country turns out." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The test of a man is the fight he makes, the grit that he daily shows." — Edgar A. Guest
Etymology
The word "test" has a surprisingly ancient origin! It actually comes from the Latin word "testum," which meant "earthen pot" or "vessel."
Imagine way back in the day, people were figuring out how to work with metals. They would put different metals into these little pots and heat them up to see what happened. This was like an early kind of experiment – a way to test the properties of the metal.
So, the original meaning of "test" was all about this process of trying something out in a container. Over time, the meaning expanded. It wasn't just about testing metals anymore. People started using "test" to describe any kind of trial or examination to see how something performed or to find out more about it.
The first recorded use of "test" in English was way back in the 14th century. And guess what? It was used in the sense of a vessel for assaying metals, just like its Latin ancestor!
From there, it gradually evolved to include the meanings we know today, like taking a test in school or testing someone's abilities.
So, next time you hear the word "test," remember its humble beginnings as a simple earthen pot! It's a cool example of how words can change and grow over time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Test
Phrases with "test"
Test the waters: To try something out cautiously before committing fully. (e.g., "Before launching the product nationwide, they decided to test the waters in a few select cities.")
Put to the test: To challenge or assess something rigorously. (e.g., "The new software was put to the test during the company's busiest period.")
Stand the test of time: To endure and remain relevant or valuable over a long period. (e.g., "Shakespeare's plays have stood the test of time.")
Test of strength: A competition or challenge to determine who is stronger or more powerful. (e.g., "The arm-wrestling match was a true test of strength.")
Acid test: A definitive test that proves the value or worth of something. (e.g., "The acid test of a good leader is how they handle a crisis.")
Idioms with synonyms for similar effect
Trial by fire: A challenging experience that tests someone's abilities. (e.g., "The new recruit's first day on the job was a trial by fire.")
Prove your mettle: To demonstrate one's abilities and courage. (e.g., "The young knight had a chance to prove his mettle in the tournament.")
Go through the wringer: To experience a difficult or challenging situation. (e.g., "The team went through the wringer before finally winning the championship.")
Face the music: To confront the consequences of one's actions. (e.g., "After failing the exam, he had to face the music and tell his parents.")
Sink or swim: To be forced to succeed or fail on one's own. (e.g., "The new employee was thrown into the deep end and left to sink or swim.")
Lesser-known or original phrases
Test one's patience: To push someone's tolerance to its limits. (e.g., "His constant complaining was really testing my patience.")
Test the limits: To explore the boundaries of what is possible or allowed. (e.g., "The athlete was determined to test the limits of human endurance.")
A test of faith: A situation that challenges one's beliefs or trust. (e.g., "Losing her job was a test of faith for her.")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of test from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
