Test
/tɛst/noun
A procedure or examination used to measure knowledge, skill, quality, or truth.
Did you know?English test ultimately comes from the same Latin root as the word for a clay pot used in assaying metals, because the original “test” was literally about fire, purity, and proof.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tri-sto-
“A related form behind Latin terms for a vessel or crucible, tied to the idea of testing metals by fire.”
Classical Latin
Latin
testum
“An earthen pot, lid, or vessel; later associated with a crucible or container used in testing metals.”
Late Latin
Latin
testāre
“To bear witness, prove, or declare by oath.”
Old French
Old French
test
“A trial, proof, or examination.”
Middle English
English
test
“A trial, proof, or examination, especially one used to judge quality or knowledge.”
Modern English
English
test
“A procedure or examination used to measure knowledge, skill, quality, or truth.”