Definition

1. Noun:
   • A critical study or analysis: A detailed and systematic examination, particularly of a written work or body of work, often involving careful scrutiny and evaluation.
   • A detailed inspection of one's conscience: A formal, often daily, practice of self-examination, particularly associated with Jesuit spiritual exercises, involving a review of one's thoughts, words, and actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scholar published a thorough examen of the poet's early manuscripts.
  • As part of his spiritual discipline, he performed a nightly examen of conscience.

Advanced Usage

• "To conduct an examen": To perform a detailed critical analysis or a spiritual self-examination.
  • The committee will conduct an examen of the company's ethical policies.
• "The Ignatian Examen": A specific term referring to the prayerful daily review of conscience developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
  • Practicing the Ignatian Examen helps many people find spiritual awareness in their daily lives.

Variants and Related Words

• Examination (n): The act or process of inspecting or testing something carefully. This is a more common and general synonym.
  • The medical examination was routine.
• Examine (v): To inspect or scrutinize carefully.
  • We need to examine the evidence.

Synonyms

• Analysis: Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
• Scrutiny: Critical observation or examination.
• Review: A formal assessment or examination of something with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary.
• Self-examination: The study of one's own conduct and motives.

Notes on Meaning

• The word examen is relatively rare in modern general English and is most frequently encountered in academic contexts referring to critical literary studies or in religious contexts referring to the Jesuit spiritual practice. In most everyday situations, the word examination is used instead.

Noun

1. a critical study (as of a writer's work)
2. a detailed inspection of your conscience (as done daily by Jesuits)