# inspect

Pronunciation: say "in-SPEKT" /ɪnˈspɛkt/

## Verb

1. To examine something carefully and critically in order to find problems or judge its condition.
   - Simple: To look closely at something to find problems or check its condition.
   - _Engineers inspect the bridge for hairline cracks every spring._
   - _The buyer inspected the old house thoroughly before making an offer._
2. To view and examine something in an official capacity, as part of a formal duty.
   - Simple: To check something in an official way, often as part of a job or duty.
   - _Customs agents inspect imported goods at the border for contraband._
   - _The fire marshal inspected the new building for code violations._

## Origin

From Latin inspectum, the past participle of inspicere ("to look into"), which combines in ("in") with specere ("to look at").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/inspect (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).