English · Culture & Society
exam
/ɪɡˈzæm/
[/ɪɡˈzæm/]
a formal test
Intermediatenoun
Definition
An exam is a formal test of knowledge or ability, usually taken at the end of a course. Results often decide a student's grade.
Example
The final exam will last three hours.
The final exam will last three hours.
Etymology
Short for 'examination', from Latin 'examinare' meaning to weigh or test.
How & Where It’s Used
Refers to formal assessments; appears in phrases like 'sit an exam'.