1．examine : 最普通用词，可指粗略地查看，也可指仔细观察或调查以确定事物的性质、功能、特点等。examine的英语解释是：to look at (a person or thing ) closely , in order to find out something。它主要指通过仔细地观察以找出问题。如：

My bag was examined carefully when I entered the country.

2．inspect : inspect的英语解释是：① to examine (the details of something)；② to make an official visit to judge the quality of (an organization, machine, etc.)。即“检查”、“视察”之意。它和examine的区别主要在于它强调检查时注重细节方面的审视。另外inspect 作“视察”解时，主要指官方检查。如：

The mayor will inspect our school tomorrow.

3．investigate : 指为发现事实真相或了解掌握情况而进行深入细致的现场考察。

4．scan : 原义是仔细地检查分析，现用于指细看或浏览。

5．check主要指检验或测试事物的准确性、真实性以确保其正确、安全或处于良好状态，如：He checked the temperature everyday before leaving home.