How to pronounce examine
Say it like ig-ZAM-in. Examine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce examine. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ig
- ZAM
- in
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Examine pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- igKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- inKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of examine
American and British speakers say examine in essentially the same way: /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/ in the US and /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: ig-ZAM-in.
What does examine mean?
- consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning“analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare”“analyze the evidence in a criminal trial”
- observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect“The customs agent examined the baggage”“I must see your passport before you can enter the country”
- question or examine thoroughly and closely
Where does examine come from?
From Middle English examinen, examenen, from Old French examiner, from Latin exāmināre.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying examine
How do you pronounce examine?
Say ig-ZAM-in. The American pronunciation is /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/. In British English it is /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in examine?
Examine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAM). Broken into parts: ig · ZAM · in.
Do Americans and Brits say examine the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/ and the British form is /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.