Cool MateScan
UK /["/skæn/","/skænz/","/skænd/","/ˈskænɪŋ/"]/US /["/skæn/","/skænz/","/skænd/","/ˈskænɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to look quickly but not very carefully at a document, etc.
In simple words: To look at something quickly and carefully.
Examples
- I need to scan these documents before sending them.
- The doctor will scan your body to check for any abnormalities.
- He held up the QR code so his phone could scan it.
- She tried to scan the crowd for her friend.
- The software can scan for viruses in seconds.
Usage notes
Use 'scan' when quickly checking something for important information. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts; instead, say 'examine' or 'inspect.'
Grammar pattern
scan + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'can' — imagine you have a can of information that you quickly look through.
Collocations
- carefully
- anxiously
- frantically
- for
- across
- around
- carefully
- anxiously
- frantically
- for
- across
- around
- automatically
- digitally
- electronically
Synonyms
- scrutinize
Antonyms
- ignore
- overlook
Common mistakes
- Using 'scan' with the wrong preposition, like 'scan for' when it should be just 'scan.'
- Confusing 'scan' with 'skan,' which is not a word.
- Overusing 'scan' in contexts where 'read' or 'check' would be more appropriate.