test
verb
test 
test knowledge/ability
1 [transitive, intransitive] to find out how much somebody knows, or what they can do by asking them questions or giving them activities to performtest somebody (on something) Children are tested on core subjects at ages 7, 11 and 14.test (something) We test your English before deciding which class to put you in.Schools use various methods of testing.2 [intransitive] test well/badly to perform well/badly in a test of knowledge or abilitystudents who tested well in readingThere are people who test well and people who don't.health
3 [transitive, intransitive] to examine the blood, a part of the body, etc. to find out what is wrong with a person, or to check the condition of their healthtest somebody/something to test somebody's eyesight/hearingtest somebody/something for something The doctor tested him for hepatitis.+ adjective (for something) to test positive/negativeTwo athletes tested positive for steroids.machine/product, etc.
4 [transitive] to use or try a machine, substance, etc. to find out how well it works or to find out more information about ittest something Test your brakes regularly.test something on somebody/something Our beauty products are not tested on animals.test something for something The water is regularly tested for purity.test something out They opened a single store in Europe to test out the market. see also field-test5 [intransitive] test well/badly (of a machine or product) to perform well/badly in a test of how well it worksThe ad had tested badly with consumers.strength, etc.
6 [transitive] test somebody/something to be difficult and therefore need all your strength, ability, etcThe long climb tested our fitness and stamina. see also testingIdioms
test the waters
to find out what the situation is before doing something or making a decision
Phrasal verbs
