rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinspectCareful examination
verb

inspect

in-SPEKT/ɪnˈspekt/

To examine carefully to check condition, quality, or compliance.

He inspects the chair's cracked joint with a magnifying glass.

An older man carefully examines a small wooden chair's leg joint with a magnifying glass, checking a visible hairline crack before deciding whether the chair is sound.
Etymology
inLatininto
+spectLatinto look

To inspect is literally to look into something. The Latin verb already included examining, connecting ordinary looking with the closer attention needed to evaluate something.

In context

Machinery Restorer0:31
workshop the first thing I need to do is to assess its condition well it does turn over which is a bonus next I'm removing the air filter cover to inspect the carburetor quite clearly
RUSTY ABANDONED ENGINE RESTORATION

More examples

  • The mechanic inspected the brakes.
  • They are inspecting every shipment.
  • The bridge had been inspected recently.

Forms

inspect · inspects · inspected · inspecting

Similar words

examine
Examine need not check against a standard.
audit
Audit usually systematically checks records or compliance.