an examination given in school or college to find out how much someone knows or can do
Maria studied all night for the math test she had in the morning.
The teacher collected the tests and started grading right away.
✦ From Middle English test, from Latin testum “earthen pot, shell used by gold-smiths to try metals,” later “trial, proof.”
an examination of blood, urine, or other samples from the body to discover an illness or condition
The doctor ordered a blood test to check Lisa’s iron levels.
A quick COVID-19 test was given at the airport.
a trial or experiment done to see if something works or how good it is
The engineers performed a safety test on the new bridge.
Our company will run a market test before launching the product.
to give someone an exam to measure their knowledge or skill
The coach will test the players on their passing skills today.
Teachers tested the students every Friday to track progress.
to check a machine, product, or idea to see if it works well
The technician will test the fire alarm before we open the store.
Scientists tested the new vaccine on volunteers.
an event or action in which people publicly show that they strongly disagree with or oppose something
Thousands of people joined a peaceful protest in the city square.
The mayor watched the noisy protest from his office window.
✦ From Latin 'protestari' meaning 'to declare publicly, testify' via Old French and Middle English.
to state firmly that something is true, especially when others doubt it
She kept protesting her innocence during the entire interview.
The company spokesman protested that the article was unfair.
✦ Extended sense of the Latin root meaning 'to declare publicly'.
present participle of test; carrying out a test on something or someone
The scientist is testing a new vaccine in the laboratory.
We are testing the fire alarm this afternoon.
✦ From Middle English “testen”, from Old French “test”, originally meaning a small earthen pot used in assaying metals; evolved to mean examine or try.
an organized event in which people or teams compete to win a prize or recognition
Maria won the school spelling contest last Friday.
Hundreds of photographers entered the wildlife photo contest.
✦ Borrowed in Middle English from Old French "conteste" and Latin "contestari" meaning “to call to witness.”
a struggle or competition for power, control, or victory between opposing sides
The election turned into a fierce contest between two very different visions for the country.
There is an ongoing contest for influence in the region between the two superpowers.
✦ Extension of the idea of a formal competition to broader struggles for dominance in the 17th century.
to formally challenge, oppose, or dispute something to show that you think it is wrong or unfair
They decided to contest the parking ticket in court.
The athlete plans to contest the suspension, claiming there was a testing error.
✦ From Latin "contestari" meaning “to call upon as witnesses,” evolving in English to signify challenging a decision in the 15th century.
