test
test — abbreviation
1. a short written form used in the titles of the two main parts of the Christian B
a short written form used in the titles of the two main parts of the Christian Bible, meaning 'Testament'
The story of Noah appears in the O.T., which stands for Old Test.
abbreviation: O.T. = Old Test.
In N.T. we read about the life and teachings of Jesus.
Compare a passage from the Old Testament to one from the New.
The book of Psalms is found in the middle of the O.T.
Biblical scholars read the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament side by side.
- O.T.
- N.T.
- Old Test.
- New Test.
Grammar Patterns
Test. (in O.T. / N.T.)
Usage Note
Almost always appears as part of the abbreviations O.T. (Old Testament) and N.T. (New Testament). Learners rarely need to produce this abbreviation but should recognise it in religious or literary contexts.
test — adjective
1. connected with or used for testing something — describes a thing that belongs to
connected with or used for testing something — describes a thing that belongs to the process of checking how well something works
The test phase of the project lasted six weeks.
attributive: test + phase
Brian reviewed the test data before presenting the results.
The company set up a test site to check the new software.
All vehicles must pass a test drive before leaving the factory.
collocation: test drive
- test phase
- test run
- test site
- test case
- test drive
Grammar Patterns
test + noun
Usage Note
Only used before a noun (attributive). Common patterns include test phase, test run, test site, test case, and test drive.
Common Mistakes
2. gathered, proven, or revealed through the process of testing — describes data or
gathered, proven, or revealed through the process of testing — describes data or subjects that exist as a result of testing procedures
Only test subjects who completed the full program were included.
collocation: test subject
The test results confirmed that the drug was safe for humans.
Haruto analysed the test samples under a microscope.
The lab stored all test specimens in a temperature-controlled room.
- test subject
- test results
- test samples
- test specimens
Grammar Patterns
test + noun
Usage Note
Common in scientific and laboratory contexts. The adjective signals that the noun it modifies comes from or relates to a testing procedure.
test — noun
1. a collection of problems or activities that a person completes so that an instru
a collection of problems or activities that a person completes so that an instructor can judge their level of knowledge or skill in a particular area
Brian spent the whole weekend studying for his biology test.
test + on + topic (biology)
Roya passed the licensing test and can now work as a registered nurse.
Haruto failed his driving test on the first try but passed the second time.
collocation: driving test
The teacher handed back the test papers with grades marked in red.
collocation: test papers
Constanza scored the highest in the class on the final math test.
- take a test
- pass a test
- fail a test
- test paper
- test score
- final test
- driving test
- blood test
- exam
more formal, usually for important or final assessments
- quiz
shorter, less formal, often surprise checks
- assessment
broader term, includes projects and continuous evaluation
Grammar Patterns
test + on + topic
test + in + subject
Usage Note
Often takes a prepositional phrase with on (test on irregular verbs) or in (test in mathematics). 'Test' is slightly less formal than 'examination' but is the usual word in school contexts.
Common Mistakes
2. a healthcare procedure in which a doctor or nurse takes a sample from a patient
a healthcare procedure in which a doctor or nurse takes a sample from a patient or checks a specific function of the body to look for signs of illness or to monitor health
The doctor ordered a blood test to check Constanza's iron levels.
collocation: blood test
Lien went to the clinic for an eye test after struggling to read street signs.
collocation: eye test
Shanti took a pregnancy test and learned that she was expecting twins.
The skin test showed that Henrik is allergic to cats and dust mites.
Patients must complete a vision test before renewing their driver's licence.
collocation: vision test
- blood test
- eye test
- pregnancy test
- skin test
- hearing test
- test for
- test result
Grammar Patterns
test + for + condition/substance
Usage Note
Commonly followed by 'for' to indicate what is being checked (test for diabetes, test for iron deficiency). Types include blood test, urine test, eye test, hearing test, skin test, and pregnancy test.
3. an activity in which a product, system, or idea is used or tried to see if it wo
an activity in which a product, system, or idea is used or tried to see if it works correctly, is safe, or is effective
The software team ran a security test on the new payment system.
collocation: security test
Christopher helped conduct a taste test comparing three brands of dark chocolate.
collocation: taste test
The lab assistant repeated the test three times to confirm the results.
Before selling the toy, the manufacturer carried out safety tests on every batch.
collocation: safety test
The new engine passed all performance tests and was approved for production.
- run a test
- conduct a test
- carry out a test
- safety test
- performance test
- taste test
- security test
- trial
a formal test of a product over a period of time in real conditions
- experiment
a scientific procedure to discover something unknown
- pilot
a small-scale test before a full launch
Grammar Patterns
test + on + thing
put + noun + to the test
Usage Note
Often uncountable when speaking about testing as an activity ('under test', 'during test'). Countable when referring to a specific procedure ('ran three tests').
4. a difficult situation or challenge that makes clear whether a person or thing tr
a difficult situation or challenge that makes clear whether a person or thing truly has the qualities needed to succeed or endure
The emergency drill was a real test of the hospital staff's teamwork.
pattern: a test of + noun
Living in a small flat with two roommates is a good test of your patience.
For Wren, climbing the mountain was a test of both physical strength and willpower.
The company's response to the crisis was a true test of its values.
- a test of
- real test
- true test
- good test
Grammar Patterns
a test of + noun
Usage Note
Followed by 'of' to name the quality being tested ('a test of courage', 'a test of loyalty', 'a test of skill'). Often used with adjectives like 'real', 'true', 'good'.
5. a top-level international match in cricket or rugby where the best players of on
a top-level international match in cricket or rugby where the best players of one nation compete against another nation's team, often lasting several days and belonging to a longer series of matches between the same two countries
Australia won the third test against England by six wickets.
cricket: test + against + team
The rugby test between New Zealand and South Africa was sold out.
rugby: test between
India's captain has played in over fifty tests for the Indian cricket team.
collocation: play in a test
The final test of the series will be held at Lord's stadium in London.
- test match
- against
- between
- series
- first test
- final test
- test match
the full term; 'test' is the shortened form
- international
any match between national teams, not specific to cricket/rugby
Grammar Patterns
test + between + teams
test + against + team
Usage Note
Primarily used in British and Commonwealth English. Cricket tests can last up to five days. Rugby tests are single matches. Not used for other sports like football or basketball.
Common Mistakes
to make someone or something experience a difficult situation so that their true qualities or abilities are shown
The training programme was designed to put new recruits to the test from day one.
When the roof started leaking, it really put Asher's DIY skills to the test.
to remain popular, useful, or respected for a very long period
A good story, like the tales of Robin Hood, can stand the test of time.
Their friendship has stood the test of time and is still strong after forty years.
teach to the test
idiomto teach students only the specific material that will appear on a test, rather than helping them develop a wider range of skills
Many teachers complain that they are forced to teach to the test instead of inspiring curiosity.
When schools teach to the test, students often forget the material soon after the exam.
test the waters
idiomto try something carefully before deciding whether to commit to it fully
Léa tested the waters by offering a few handmade bags to friends before opening an online shop.
The company tested the waters with a small advertising campaign before launching nationally.
To create a situation that shows how good or strong someone or something really is.
The difficult exam put the students' knowledge to the test.
Did the new software put your computer's speed to the test?
test — verb
1. to use or try a product, system, or method to see if it works correctly, is safe
to use or try a product, system, or method to see if it works correctly, is safe, or has the qualities you expect
The engineers tested the bridge by driving heavy trucks across it.
test + noun + by + -ing
Asher tested the smoke alarm to make sure the batteries were working.
Before launching the app, the company tested it with two hundred users.
test + noun + with + noun
The lab tested every water sample for harmful bacteria.
test + noun + for + noun
Ife tested several different passwords before finding one that worked.
- test for
- test on
- test with
- thoroughly test
- test a product
- test a system
Grammar Patterns
test + noun
test + noun + for + noun
test + noun + on + noun
Usage Note
Commonly takes 'for' to specify what is being checked (test for leaks) and 'on' to specify the method or subject (test on animals).
Common Mistakes
2. to take a sample of blood, tissue, or other material from a patient, or check a
to take a sample of blood, tissue, or other material from a patient, or check a specific function of their body, to look for signs of illness or monitor their health
The clinic tested Roya for allergies to peanuts and shellfish.
test + person + for + condition
Doctors tested Ife's blood pressure three times during her hospital visit.
Henrik's throat was swabbed and tested for a bacterial infection.
passive: be tested for
The hospital tested all patients admitted with a fever for the virus.
Shanti had her eyes tested and learned she needed reading glasses.
have + noun + tested
- test for
- tested positive
- tested negative
- be tested
- have something tested
- blood test
- test a patient
Grammar Patterns
test + noun (body part / person)
test + noun + for + condition
be tested for + condition
Usage Note
When the person is the object, 'test' typically pairs with 'for' naming the condition (tested him for diabetes). When a body part is the object, 'for' names the issue (tested her eyes for glaucoma). The pattern 'have something tested' is common in everyday English (have your eyes tested, have your blood tested).
Common Mistakes
3. to show a particular result after being medically or scientifically examined — u
to show a particular result after being medically or scientifically examined — used to describe what a test reveals about a person or substance
Lien tested positive for vitamin D deficiency after the blood work came back.
test + positive/negative for + condition
The water from the village well tested safe for drinking.
test + adjective
Over thirty volunteers tested negative for the virus during the screening.
The soil in the garden tested high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus.
- test positive
- test negative
- test safe
- test high
- test low
- test for
Grammar Patterns
test + adjective
test + positive/negative
test + for + substance
Usage Note
This is a linking-verb pattern: 'test' is followed by an adjective (safe, positive, negative, high, low) or by 'positive/negative for' + a condition. The subject is the person or thing being tested, NOT the doctor. 'He tested positive' means the result was positive, not that he performed a test.
Common Mistakes
4. to present someone with problems or exercises so that you can assess how much th
to present someone with problems or exercises so that you can assess how much they have learned about a particular topic or skill
The teacher tested the class on irregular verbs every Friday morning.
test + someone + on + topic
The driving instructor tested Brian on parallel parking and hill starts.
To qualify for the job, applicants are tested on both writing and maths skills.
passive: are tested on
The school tests students in all major subjects at the end of each term.
test + someone + in + subject
Wren was tested on her knowledge of first aid before joining the rescue team.
- test on
- test in
- test students
- be tested on
- test someone's knowledge
Grammar Patterns
test + someone + on + topic
test + someone + in + subject
be tested on + topic
Usage Note
Use 'test on' for specific topics (tested us on chapter five) and 'test in' for broad subject areas (tested in mathematics). The passive pattern 'be tested on something' is very common.
Common Mistakes
5. to reach a particular score or level in an assessment when completing its proble
to reach a particular score or level in an assessment when completing its problems or exercises
Haruto tested well on the maths section but struggled with reading comprehension.
test + adverb (well)
The students from that school tested below the national average in science.
Constanza tested at the highest level in the language proficiency assessment.
Over half the class tested above the expected standard for their age group.
- test well
- test poorly
- test above average
- test below average
- test at
Grammar Patterns
test + adverb (well/poorly)
test + prepositional phrase
Usage Note
Primarily used in American English for standardised test performance. Always requires an adverb (well, poorly, badly) or a prepositional phrase (below average, at the highest level) to complete the meaning.
Common Mistakes
6. to receive a particular reaction or judgment when shown to people or used in a s
to receive a particular reaction or judgment when shown to people or used in a situation — describes how an idea or product is evaluated by an audience, not by a formal exam
The new product design tested well with focus groups in three different cities.
test + adverb + with + audience
The film's original ending tested poorly with preview audiences, so the director changed it.
The advertising campaign tested badly among viewers under the age of thirty.
A shorter version of the speech tested better than the full forty-minute draft.
- test well
- test poorly
- test badly
- test with
- test among
- test better
- test worse
Grammar Patterns
test + adverb (well/poorly/badly)
test + with + audience/group
Usage Note
Different from verb sense 5: here the subject is an idea, product, or creative work being judged by people in a trial setting. Common in marketing and entertainment. Always requires an adverb or prepositional phrase.
Common Mistakes
7. if a situation or event tests someone, it challenges their abilities, patience,
if a situation or event tests someone, it challenges their abilities, patience, or inner strength and shows what they are truly capable of
The financial crisis tested the company's ability to survive without outside help.
abstract object: test + ability
The long illness tested the family's patience and emotional strength.
Raising twin babies tested Léa's energy and time management skills every single day.
The sudden snowstorm tested the rescue team's ability to respond quickly.
Working with a difficult colleague tested Christopher's professionalism and patience.
- test patience
- test resolve
- test courage
- test ability
- test strength
- test loyalty
Grammar Patterns
test + someone/something
test + noun (resolve/patience/courage)
Usage Note
The subject is always a situation, event, or experience (NOT a person). The object is an abstract quality: patience, courage, resolve, loyalty, skills, ability, or a person representing those qualities.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
The word 'test' is the most general of these terms. An 'exam' (short for examination) is a more formal and important test, usually covering a large amount of material and carrying significant consequences — final exams at university, for instance. A 'quiz' is much shorter and less formal, often given without warning to check basic understanding of recent material. A 'trial' focuses on testing performance or endurance under real conditions, such as a clinical trial for a new drug or a trial period for an employee. An 'experiment' is a scientific procedure designed to discover something unknown, not just to measure existing knowledge. For example: 'The teacher gave a surprise quiz on yesterday's lesson' (short, informal); 'She passed the bar exam on her first attempt' (formal, high-stakes); 'The clinical trial tested the vaccine on 5,000 volunteers' (endurance/real conditions); 'The chemistry experiment revealed a new compound' (scientific discovery).
Common collocations
Adverbs
- thoroughly
- carefully
- rigorously
- extensively
Phrases
- put to the test
- stand the test of time
Etymology
The word 'test' comes from the Latin noun 'testum', meaning an earthen pot or crucible. In ancient metalworking, a 'testum' was used to melt ore and separate pure metal from impurities — in other words, to 'test' the quality of the metal. This idea of evaluating purity by fire passed into Old French as 'test' (a pot for refining metals) and then into English around the 14th century. By the late 16th century, the meaning had broadened from a physical vessel for melting metal to any method or standard of evaluation. The modern senses — school tests, medical tests, and tests of character — all grow from this core image: applying a challenge to reveal true quality.