Check

Definition

Check is used as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an examination or inspection, a written order for a bank to pay money, or a position in chess where a player's king is under threat of capture. As a verb, it means to examine or verify something, to stop or restrain, or to place a king in check in chess.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʃɛk/
• Respelling: CHEK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʃɛk/
• Respelling: CHEK

Etymology

The word "check" originates from the Old French "eschec," meaning "chess" or "stalemate," which was derived from the Persian word "shah," meaning "king." Over time, the term expanded to mean verifying or stopping actions in English.

Derivatives

• Checker (noun)
• Checkup (noun)
• Unchecked (adjective)
• Recheck (verb)
• Checklist (noun)

Synonyms

• Inspect
• Verify
• Examine

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Overlook
• Neglect

Usage

The term "check" is commonly used across various contexts, from verification and examination to banking and chess. For example, "Please check your work for errors," or "She wrote a check to cover the expenses."

Related Terms

• Audit: A systematic inspection, especially in financial contexts.
• Inspection: Careful examination or review.
• Verification: The process of confirming accuracy.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An examination or inspection: Refers to the act of reviewing or verifying something.
  • Example: "They performed a security check before entering the building."
• A written order to pay money from a bank account: Commonly used in banking to describe an instrument for payment.
  • Example: "She wrote a check to pay her rent."
• In chess, a threat to the king: Refers to a situation where a king is under immediate threat of capture.
  • Example: "The player moved his queen to put the opponent’s king in check."

Verb

• To examine or verify: Refers to looking over something to confirm its accuracy or correctness.
  • Example: "She checked the report for any errors."
• To stop or restrain: Refers to controlling or halting an action or process.
  • Example: "He managed to check his anger."
• To place a king in check in chess: Used to describe the act of making a move that puts the opponent’s king in danger.
  • Example: "He checked his opponent’s king with his bishop."