screening
B2Neutral to formal, depending on context (everyday for films, more formal for medical/security contexts).
Definition
Meaning
The process of examining or evaluating people or things to identify particular characteristics or to separate them into categories.
A showing of a film or television program; the process of examining or evaluating people or things to identify particular characteristics or to separate them into categories; a protective barrier or partition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term has three primary domains: 1) entertainment/media (showing a film), 2) medical/security/recruitment (testing or checking), 3) physical object (a screen or partition). The context usually disambiguates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage frequency is similar across domains. In medical contexts, both use it, though the specific programs (e.g., NHS vs. private insurance) differ.
Connotations
Generally the same. 'Screening' for diseases is a standard public health term in both. In film contexts, 'preview' is sometimes used in the UK where US might say 'screening'.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English in corporate/HR contexts (e.g., 'candidate screening').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
screening of + NOUN (the screening of applicants)screening for + NOUN (screening for cancer)screening + NOUN (screening procedures)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass the screening”
- “fail the screening”
- “a clean bill of health after screening”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The screening of potential investors is a crucial part of our due diligence process.
Academic
The study involved the screening of over 1000 participants for genetic markers.
Everyday
We're going to a special screening of the new Marvel film tonight.
Technical
The algorithm performs an initial screening of network traffic for anomalies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The NHS is screening all newborns for that condition.
- They screened the documentary at a small indie cinema.
American English
- The TSA will be screening passengers more thoroughly.
- The studio screened the pilot for test audiences.
adverb
British English
- This is not a commonly screening performed test. (Rare/awkward usage)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- We have a strict screening policy for new volunteers.
- The screening room was equipped with the latest projector.
American English
- All applicants must pass a background screening check.
- The screening process for the clinical trial has begun.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a film screening at the school tonight.
- We watched the screening on TV.
- Airport security screening can take a long time.
- The doctor recommended a health screening.
- The company improved its candidate screening process to find better employees.
- The documentary had its premiere screening at the festival.
- Universal screening for mental health issues in schools remains a contentious policy.
- The biopsy was ordered following an anomalous mammography screening.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIEVE or a CINEMA SCREEN. A 'screening' either sifts/separates things (like a sieve) or is a showing (on a screen).
Conceptual Metaphor
FILTERING (separating wanted from unwanted), SHOWING (displaying content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'скрининг' in informal contexts; for films, use 'показ'. In medical contexts, 'скрининг' is acceptable.
- Do not confuse with 'screening' as in 'window screen' (москитная сетка).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'screening' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'three screenings' is fine for films, but 'three screenings' for medical tests can sound odd; better: 'three screening tests').
- Confusing 'screening' (process) with 'screen' (the physical object or verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'screening' NOT typically apply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has three main uses: 1) medical/security/employment evaluation, 2) showing a film/TV program, 3) a physical screen or barrier.
'Screening' is a broader process of examination or evaluation, often involving tests or checks. 'Scanning' often implies a quicker, more technological look-over (e.g., scanning a barcode, a medical scan like an MRI). A scan can be part of a screening process.
Yes, the base verb is 'to screen'. 'Screening' is its present participle or gerund (e.g., 'They are screening applicants').
Yes, it's a countable noun in film/entertainment contexts ('I attended three screenings'). In medical/process contexts, it's often uncountable ('The hospital does a lot of screening') but can be countable when referring to specific instances or types ('regular screenings are important').
Collections
Part of a collection
Health and Wellness
B1 · 49 words · Physical and mental health vocabulary.