test

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

比较义项：测试、考试（名词）。

• test 本词

  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

  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）。

Compared meaning: to check something by using it (verb).

比较义项：试验，检验（动词）。

• try

  Informal; means to sample or use something briefly to see if you like it or if it works, often with food, activities, or new products; frequently followed by a noun or verb-ing.

  非正式用语；指短暂尝试或体验某事物，以判断是否喜欢或是否有效，常用于食物、活动或新产品；后面常接名词或动名词。

  She wants to try the yoga class before committing to a monthly pass.

  她想先试一试这节瑜伽课，再决定要不要办月卡。

• test 本词

  More formal; means to check something's quality, ability, or performance against a standard, typically using measurements, instruments, or exams, in technical, scientific, or academic contexts.

  较为正式；指依据标准检验某事物的质量、能力或性能，通常借助测量、仪器或考试，多用于技术、科学或学术场景。

  The lab will test the water sample for contaminants.

  实验室将检测这份水样中是否含有污染物。

Try and test both mean to check something by using it. Try is informal: sample something briefly to see if you like it, with food or products. Test is more formal: check something's quality or performance against a standard, using measurements, in technical contexts.

这两个词在这个义项上都表示为了判断某事物的情况而去做一下，但语气和正式程度不同：try 强调非正式地尝试或体验一下，以判断是否喜欢或合适；test 强调较为正式、系统地检验质量、能力或性能。这里不比较 try 表示“尝试、努力做某事”的用法（如 try to open the door），也不比较 test 作名词表示“考试”的用法。