examination

Compared meaning: a test of knowledge or ability (noun).

比较义项：测试、考试（名词）。

• test

  The most general and informal word, covering any quick check of knowledge, skill, or quality, not necessarily written or academic.

  这是最普通、最随意的词，可以指对知识、技能或质量的任何简单检测，不一定是书面或学术性质的。

  There's a short vocabulary test every Friday in this class.

  这门课每周五都有一次简短的词汇测试。

• exam

  The everyday spoken word for a formal, often important academic test, especially at school or university, used in casual conversation.

  这是日常口语中最常用来指正式的、通常较重要的学业考试的词，尤其用于学校或大学，语气随和。

  She's revising hard because her final exams start next week.

  她正在努力复习，因为期末考试下周就要开始了。

• examination 本词

  A more formal, written word for exam, typical of official or academic language such as school notices or news reports.

  这是更正式、书面化的词，常见于官方或学术语境，例如学校通知或新闻报道。

  Candidates must arrive fifteen minutes before the written examination begins.

  考生必须在笔试开始前十五分钟到场。

Test, exam, and examination all mean a check of knowledge or skill. Test is the most general, informal word, covering any quick check. Exam is the spoken word for a formal school or university test. Examination is a more formal, written word for exam.

这三个词在“考试”这个意义上相近，都指对知识或能力的检测，但正式程度和使用场合不同：test最随意宽泛，exam是口语中最常见的说法，examination最正式书面。这里不比较test的“试验、检测”义（如blood test）和examination的“检查、审查”义（如medical examination）。