-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

208 / 371

noun

inspection

in-SPEK-shuhn/ɪnˈspekʃn/

A careful examination of something to check its condition or quality.

The inspector makes a careful inspection of the cracked beam.

Building inspector carefully examines a cracked beam with flashlight and blank checklist, professional checking condition.

Etymology

inLatinin, into, on, upon

+spectLatinlook

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The pieces make inspection an act of looking into something. That image underlies examination: an official inspection applies close scrutiny to condition, quality, or compliance.

In context

The Scottish Parliament108:41

a new power of inspection where a local authority believes that the repairing standard is not being met

Afternoon Plenary: Part 1 - Scottish Parliament: 25th June 2014

More examples

The building passed its annual inspection.
A closer inspection showed several cracks.
They prepared the equipment for inspection.

Forms

inspection · inspections

inspect verb — examine carefully

inspector noun — someone who checks condition or quality

Similar words

examination: A careful look more generally.
check: A review to find problems.