WordGarden.ioretest
A2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈriˈtɛst/
Meanings
Verb
to take or give a test again
to test a sample, result, or system again to confirm it
Noun
a second test or another chance to take one
a repeated lab, diagnostic, or technical test
Beyond the definition
Imagine you've built a tower of blocks, but it wobbles and falls before you can admire it. You wouldn't just give up, right? You'd build it again, make a few changes, and test it one more time. That's what "retest" means: to do a test or check again, often after changing something or to make sure the result is correct. It does not always mean the first try failed. Sometimes a second check is simply part of making sure everything works. A scientist might retest an idea with new data, and a software developer might retest code after fixing bugs.
To "retest" means to administer or undergo a test again. It implies that an initial assessment has been made, and the process is being repeated – either to verify results, assess improvement, or confirm functionality. The context of usage can vary significantly.
In education, a retest often occurs when a student doesn't achieve a passing grade on an exam and is given another opportunity to demonstrate their understanding. "The teacher allowed the students to retest after they studied the material again." However, it's not always about failure! A coach might retest an athlete's speed after a training program to measure progress.
Beyond academics and athletics, "retest" is common in technical fields. Engineers retest prototypes to ensure safety and performance. Quality control teams retest products to identify defects. Scientists retest hypotheses with new data or refined methods.
The key takeaway is that a retest isn't just about repeating something; it's about gathering more information, verifying results, or confirming improvement after an initial attempt. It suggests a process of refinement and validation. So whether you're taking another shot at a quiz, or a scientist double-checking their findings, retesting is all about ensuring accuracy and achieving the desired outcome.
Examples
- 1
Lab result
The lab decided to retest the water after the first result looked unusual.
- 2
Medical check
The doctor wants to retest my blood sugar in three months.
- 3
Software testing
We had to retest the app after fixing the login bug.
- 4
School quiz
Students who fail the first quiz can retest next Friday.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Certification
She passed the retest and got her certificate.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- rescreen
- reassess
Contrast
- initial test
- accept the result
Do not confuse
- pretest
Used with (collocations)
- retest a patient
- retest a sample
- retest after treatment
- retest for accuracy
Word family
- retested
- retesting
Explore
- verification
- quality control
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- retest