check

What Makes This Word Tick

Check means to examine something carefully or to control its movement or progress. The word connects ideas of verification and restraint.

If Check Were a Person…

Check would pause before moving forward, making sure everything is correct and accounted for.

How This Word Has Changed Over Time

Originally connected with the concept of controlling or verifying, check expanded to include examining details and confirming accuracy.

Old Sayings and Proverbs

Ideas about checking appear in reflections about caution and verification.

Surprising Facts

Check has many meanings across contexts, from verifying information to stopping movement or controlling actions.

Out and About With This Word

You’ll hear check in everyday instructions, work tasks, and conversations about verifying information.

Pop Culture Moments Where Check Was Used

In everyday media and conversation, check often appears in phrases like check it out or check again.

The Word in Literature

Writers use check to show moments of pause, verification, or control within a scene.

Moments in History with Check

The idea of checking information has become increasingly important in scientific study, journalism, and decision making.

This Word Around the World

Most languages include verbs meaning to examine, verify, or control actions similar to check.

Where Does It Come From?

Check comes from Old French eschequier, originally tied to the idea of controlling or verifying actions.

How People Misuse This Word

Sometimes check is used vaguely for any action, though it more precisely means to verify or examine something.

Words It’s Often Confused With

Check overlaps with inspect and verify, though inspect usually suggests closer examination.

Additional Synonyms and Antonyms

Additional Synonyms: examine, confirm, review Additional Antonyms: overlook, disregard, neglect

Want to Try It Out in a Sentence?

"Please check your email for updates on the project."