Examine vs. Verify — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Examine involves inspecting or studying to assess qualities, whereas verify focuses on checking accuracy or truthfulness.
Difference Between Examine and Verify
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Examine entails a detailed observation or analysis to understand an object, concept, or situation, while verify involves the process of validating information or confirming that something complies with a standard.
In the academic context, to examine often means to test a student's knowledge or understanding through various forms of assessment, whereas to verify in the same context could mean confirming the authenticity of data or citations used in academic work.
In scientific research, examine can refer to experimenting or observing to gather data and form hypotheses, on the other hand, verify is used to test these hypotheses against established facts or theories.
In legal settings, examine might be used to scrutinize evidence or witness statements critically, while verify could involve the confirmation of documents' legitimacy or facts stated in legal proceedings.
In technology, to examine could mean to review the code or design of a software, whereas to verify often refers to the process of testing the software to ensure it meets the specified requirements.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Inspect or study carefully
Confirm accuracy or truth
Purpose
Understanding and assessment
Validation and confirmation
Method
Observation, analysis
Testing, checking
Associated Fields
Education, research, diagnostics
Quality control, authentication, compliance
Outcome
Enhanced knowledge or insight
Assurance of accuracy or compliance
Compare with Definitions
Examine
To inspect something thoroughly to determine its condition.
The mechanic will examine the car for any defects.
Verify
To substantiate or validate information.
Scientists verify hypotheses through rigorous testing.
Examine
To test or scrutinize someone's knowledge or skills.
The professor will examine the students in a final exam.
Verify
To check the accuracy or truth of something.
Auditors verify the financial records annually.
Examine
To consider or study something in detail.
The committee will examine the proposal before making a decision.
Verify
To confirm the authenticity of something.
The bank must verify your identity before opening an account.
Examine
To observe or analyze scientifically.
Biologists examine tissue samples under the microscope.
Verify
To establish the truth by examination or evidence.
Investigators verify facts before concluding the case.
Examine
To assess the functionality or quality of a product.
Quality control engineers examine every product before it is shipped.
Verify
To ensure compliance with standards or regulations.
Inspectors verify that restaurants meet health codes.
Examine
To observe carefully or critically; inspect
Examined the room for clues.
Verify
To demonstrate the truth or accuracy of, as by the presentation of evidence
Experiments that verified the hypothesis.
Examine
To study or analyze
Examine a tissue sample under a microscope.
Examine the structure of a novel.
Examine one's own motives.
Verify
To attest to the truth of (something) formally or under oath.
Examine
To test or check the condition or health of
Examine a patient.
Verify
To make a formal verification in support of (a pleading).
Examine
To determine the qualifications, aptitude, or skills of by means of questions or exercises
Students are examined with standardized tests.
Verify
(transitive) To substantiate or prove the truth of something.
Examine
To question formally, as to elicit facts or information; interrogate
Examine a witness under oath.
Verify
(transitive) To confirm or test the truth or accuracy of something.
Examine
To observe or inspect carefully or critically
He examined the crime scene for clues.
She examined the hair sample under a microscope.
Verify
To affirm something formally, under oath.
Examine
To check the health or condition of something or someone
The doctor examined the patient.
Verify
To prove to be true or correct; to establish the truth of; to confirm; to substantiate.
This is verified by a number of examples.
So shalt thou best fulfill, best verify.The prophets old, who sung thy endless reign.
Examine
To determine the aptitude, skills or qualifications of someone by subjecting them to an examination
Verify
To confirm or establish the authenticity of by examination or competent evidence; to authenticate; as, to verify a written statement; to verify an account, a pleading, or the like.
To verify our title with their lives.
Examine
To interrogate
The witness was examined under oath.
Verify
To maintain; to affirm; to support.
Examine
To test by any appropriate method; to inspect carefully with a view to discover the real character or state of; to subject to inquiry or inspection of particulars for the purpose of obtaining a fuller insight into the subject of examination, as a material substance, a fact, a reason, a cause, the truth of a statement; to inquire or search into; to explore; as, to examine a mineral; to examine a ship to know whether she is seaworthy; to examine a proposition, theory, or question.
Examine well your own thoughts.
Examine their counsels and their cares.
Verify
Confirm the truth of;
Please verify that the doors are closed
Verify a claim
Examine
To interrogate as in a judicial proceeding; to try or test by question; as, to examine a witness in order to elicit testimony, a student to test his qualifications, a bankrupt touching the state of his property, etc.
The offenders that are to be examined.
Verify
Verify or regulate by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard, of scientific experiments;
Are you controlling for the temperature?
Examine
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
Analyze your real motives
Verify
Attach or append a legal verification to (a pleading or petition)
Examine
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
Verify
To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true;
Before God I swear I am innocent
Examine
Question or examine thoroughly and closely
Examine
Question closely
Examine
Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to;
This approach has been tried with good results
Test this recipe
Common Curiosities
How does verifying information benefit a research process?
Verifying information in research ensures the reliability and accuracy of the data, which is crucial for valid results.
What does it mean to examine a theory?
To examine a theory means to study or scrutinize it in detail to understand its components and implications.
How does a software engineer verify a program?
A software engineer verifies a program by testing it against predefined specifications or requirements to ensure it functions correctly.
How do teachers examine students' understanding?
Teachers examine students' understanding through tests, quizzes, assignments, and sometimes oral examinations.
Can examine and verify be used interchangeably in scientific research?
While both examine and verify are important in research, they are not interchangeable; examining is for initial study and hypothesis generation, and verifying is for confirming those hypotheses.
What skills are necessary to effectively examine evidence?
Skills such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and analytical reasoning are necessary to effectively examine evidence.
What is the importance of examining a patient in medicine?
Examining a patient is crucial for diagnosing and understanding their condition, which guides treatment decisions.
What does it mean to verify a claim in debate?
To verify a claim in debate means to substantiate it with evidence or factual backing, demonstrating its truthfulness.
Is verification necessary in journalism?
Yes, verification in journalism is essential to ensure the accuracy and credibility of reported information.
What are common methods of verification in quality control?
Common methods include audits, checks, and various testing procedures to ensure product standards are met.
Can examine be used in terms of emotional analysis?
Yes, psychologists or therapists might examine a person's emotions or mental state to better understand and treat them.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lips vs. TongueNext Comparison
Bedchamber vs. BedroomAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.