Test Definition: Meaning, Explanation of Usage, and Synonyms

Take a look at how native speakers use this word daily and try to define a “test” based on the context it is used in.

Learn about the “test” synonyms to be able to substitute this word with other variants to expand your vocabulary and make your English more fluent.

Related nouns: school university pencil pen teacher student

Synonyms (contextual): exam examination quiz assessment

Common collocations: final test practice test standardized test

To provide a “test” description discover how to properly combine it with other parts of speech like adjectives, nouns and verbs.

With adjectives: difficult test easy test surprise test important test

With verbs: take a test pass a test fail a test study for a test

With nouns (noun + noun): test score test results test anxiety test preparation

“Test” in English is very common among different sayings, metaphors and idioms. Familiarize yourself with some of them and remember their meanings as well as typical cases in which they are used.

• Put to the test — to challenge someone or something to see if they can succeed; to examine abilities under pressure.

  The emergency put firefighters Daniel Harris, Elena Morales, and Jake Thompson’s training to the test.

• Stand the test of time — to remain valuable, useful, or popular over many years despite changes.

  Shakespeare’s plays have stood the test of time — people still love them 400 years later.

• Test the waters — to try something carefully before fully committing; to check if something is safe or acceptable.

  Before launching her business nationwide, Coco Chanel decided to test the waters with a small local campaign.

• Acid test — a decisive or conclusive test that proves the true value, quality, or effectiveness of something.

  The first play-off game was the acid test of whether the LA Lakers’ training program and tactics worked.

Evaluate how well you understand the description of a “test” with this quick quiz.

Take a little break from English and learn how to spell “test” and properly pronounce it in German, French ahd Spanish.

The concept of “test” has changed dramatically throughout history. Discover how this “nightmare” of an average student has developed since ancient times and what we have now.

• Ancient China invented standardized testing.

  The first standardized tests appeared in ancient China around 605 CE during the Sui Dynasty. The Imperial Examination System tested candidates on Confucian classics, poetry and administrative skills to select government officials.

• Multiple-choice tests were invented for efficiency.

  The multiple-choice test was created to handle large numbers of students. Frederick J. Kelly designed the “Kansas Silent Reading Test” in 1914, using questions that could be graded quickly and objectively compared to essays.

• Test anxiety is a recognized condition.

  Test anxiety affects 10–40% of students and can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, nausea and difficulty concentrating. It may prevent students from showing their true knowledge because of stress and fear.

• Some countries have eliminated standardized tests.

  Finland, often ranked among the world’s strongest education systems, uses very little standardized testing. Finnish students take only one major standardized test at age 16. Critics argue that excessive testing increases stress without improving academic results.

Explore what different people say about “test” and why they are so crucial for us. Think about whether you agree with these statements and share your thoughts on this topic with your friends and family.