screenings
B1Formal, Technical, Medical, Media
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'screening' meaning 1) showings of a film or television programme, 2) tests or examinations to detect a disease or other condition.
The process of evaluating, filtering, or examining something, especially people, information, or materials, to assess suitability or risk. Can also refer to large-scale testing programmes, events where films are shown to select audiences, or the residue left after sifting materials.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is strongly context-dependent (medical vs. film/media vs. security). The plural implies multiple instances or a programme of activities rather than a one-off event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. In cinema context, 'preview' is more common in UK for a pre-release showing; 'screening' is standard in both. Spelling: 'programme' (UK) vs. 'program' (US) when referring to the showing.
Connotations
Neutral for film/media. Can carry a public health or procedural connotation in medical/security contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in medical, aviation security, and film industry contexts. Common in general news media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Undergo + screenings (for something)Attend + screenings (of something)Conduct/carry out + screenings (on someone)Have + screeningsBe subject to + screeningsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'pass the screen test' (figurative for initial approval).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Employee health screenings are part of our wellness package.
Academic
The study analysed the efficacy of routine prenatal screenings.
Everyday
We went to one of the special screenings of the classic film.
Technical
All luggage must pass through multiple security screenings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The NHS screens for various conditions.
- They are screening applicants this week.
American English
- The CDC recommends screening for this disease.
- The company screens all potential employees.
adjective
British English
- The screening process took an hour.
- We have a new screening tool.
American English
- The screening room is on the left.
- Follow the screening guidelines.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There are two film screenings today.
- The doctor does health screenings.
- Airport security screenings can take time.
- We attended the special screenings at the cinema.
- Regular health screenings are crucial for early disease detection.
- The festival featured exclusive screenings of independent films.
- The new policy mandates biometric screenings for all visa applicants.
- Critical acclaim from early festival screenings often influences a film's commercial success.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIEVE (screen) catching important things: screenings FILTER people (for health/security) or FILMS (for an audience).
Conceptual Metaphor
FILTERING IS SEEING (to screen is to make visible hidden problems or to select visible content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как "экраны" (это 'screens').
- В медицинском контексте 'скрининг' — прямой заимствованный эквивалент.
- В киноконтексте может переводиться как "показы", "предпоказы", "сеансы".
Common Mistakes
- Using singular 'screening' when referring to multiple events/tests. (INCORRECT: I had three screening last year.)
- Confusing 'screenings' (events/tests) with 'screens' (physical objects).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'screenings' LEAST likely be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has three main uses: 1) medical/security tests, 2) showings of films, 3) the process of sifting materials (like gravel). Context clarifies the meaning.
A 'premiere' is the first official public showing, often a glamorous event. A 'screening' is any showing, including previews, test audiences, or regular showings at a festival.
No. 'Screenings' is a plural noun. You can have 'a screening' (singular) or 'screenings' (plural), but not 'a screenings'.
Similar, but a 'screening' is typically a specific test for a condition in people without symptoms, while a 'check-up' is a broader general health examination.