At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'tamḥīṣ' yet, as it is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'looking carefully.' Imagine you are looking for a very small mistake in a drawing. That careful looking is what 'tamḥīṣ' means. In simple terms, it is like when a teacher looks at your homework very, even more carefully than usual, to make sure every single letter is correct. It is a big word for a big job of looking. You usually learn the word 'fahs' (check) or 'shuf' (look) first. 'Tamḥīṣ' is like 'super-checking.' Even though you are just starting, knowing that Arabic has special words for different types of looking is very helpful. This word is for when someone is being very serious and doesn't want to make any mistakes. You might see it in a title of a book or hear it on the news. For now, just remember: Tamhis = looking very, very closely at something important. It is not for looking for your cat; it is for looking at important papers or big ideas. As you learn more Arabic, you will see how this word makes your sentences sound more professional and smart. It is a noun, so you use it like the word 'examination' in English. For example, 'The examination of the paper.' In Arabic, you would say 'Tamhis of the paper.' It is a cool word to know because it shows that you are moving past the basic levels of the language and starting to understand more complex ideas about truth and accuracy.
At the A2 level, you are beginning to expand your vocabulary beyond everyday objects and into more descriptive actions. 'Tamḥīṣ' is a noun that means 'scrutiny' or 'thorough examination.' You can use it when you want to describe a situation where someone is checking something very carefully to find the truth. For example, if a judge is looking at evidence, he isn't just 'looking' (naẓar); he is performing 'tamḥīṣ.' It is a formal word, so you will mostly find it in books, newspapers, or on the news. It comes from a root that means to purify, like cleaning gold. So, when you 'tamḥīṣ' something, you are cleaning away the lies or mistakes to find the 'gold' of the truth. You can start using it in simple sentences like 'The teacher did tamḥīṣ of the lesson' or 'We need tamḥīṣ of the facts.' It is better to use 'tamḥīṣ' than 'fahs' when you want to sound more serious and professional. Remember that it is a noun, so it often comes after words like 'after' (ba'da) or 'requires' (yatalabb). For instance, 'After tamḥīṣ, we found the mistake.' This word helps you describe academic or legal actions more accurately. It is a step up from the basic words for 'checking.' In your studies, you might perform 'tamḥīṣ' on a text to understand its grammar perfectly. It is a great word to add to your 'formal' vocabulary list as you prepare to move into intermediate Arabic conversations and reading.
At the B1 level, 'tamḥīṣ' is a key word for discussing professional, academic, and legal topics. It translates to 'scrutiny' or 'meticulous vetting.' As an intermediate learner, you should be able to understand this word when you hear it in a news broadcast or read it in an article about politics or science. The word implies a level of rigor that goes beyond a simple 'fahs' (examination). It suggests a critical process where information is filtered to ensure its validity. For example, you might talk about the 'tamḥīṣ' of a candidate's background before they are hired for a high-level job, or the 'tamḥīṣ' of historical documents by a researcher. Grammatically, it is a Masdar (verbal noun) of the Form II verb 'maḥḥaṣa.' You will often see it in idafa constructions, such as 'tamḥīṣ al-adilla' (scrutiny of evidence). Using this word correctly shows that you have a grasp of formal Arabic register (Fusha). It is particularly useful when writing essays or participating in debates where you need to describe the process of analyzing information deeply. You should also be aware of its spiritual and philosophical connotations—the idea of life's trials being a 'tamḥīṣ' for the human spirit. This dual meaning, both practical and abstract, makes it a very rich addition to your vocabulary. Practice using it with adjectives like 'daqīq' (precise) or 'shāmil' (comprehensive) to describe the quality of the examination. This will help you express more nuanced thoughts about how truth is established in different fields of study.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'tamḥīṣ' in complex discussions regarding policy, law, and critical theory. This word represents the 'rigorous scrutiny' required in professional environments to maintain standards of quality and truth. At this stage, you should understand the distinction between 'tamḥīṣ' and its synonyms like 'tadqīq' (auditing) or 'istiqṣā'' (investigation). While 'tadqīq' might focus on the technical accuracy of numbers or letters, 'tamḥīṣ' often focuses on the qualitative essence and the underlying truth of a proposition or a person's character. In a B2 level essay, you might argue that 'the tamḥīṣ of media sources is essential in the age of misinformation.' You should also be able to recognize the word in classical and religious texts, where it often refers to the 'purification' of the heart or the testing of faith through adversity. The root m-ḥ-ṣ carries this historical weight of refining precious metals, and this metaphor is still felt in its modern usage. You can use the verb form 'maḥḥaṣa' as well, though the noun is more common in academic prose. For example, 'The committee scrutinized (maḥḥaṣat) the proposal for three months.' Understanding the 'tamḥīṣ' of a witness's testimony in a legal context or the 'tamḥīṣ' of a scientific hypothesis during the peer-review process will allow you to engage with high-level Arabic content more effectively. It is a word that signals intellectual maturity and a commitment to precision in your speech and writing.
At the C1 level, your use of 'tamḥīṣ' should reflect a deep understanding of its stylistic and historical nuances. You should be able to use it not just as a synonym for 'scrutiny,' but as a specific term that evokes the process of refinement and the distillation of truth from a complex or 'impure' set of data. In sophisticated discourse, 'tamḥīṣ' is used to describe the critical analysis of ideologies, the vetting of historical narratives, and the rigorous verification of complex legal frameworks. You should be able to employ it in phrases like 'tamḥīṣ al-turāth' (the critical scrutiny of heritage) or 'tamḥīṣ al-manāhij' (the scrutiny of methodologies). At this level, you should also be aware of the word's occurrence in classical literature and the Quran, where it describes the existential trials that distinguish the sincere from the hypocritical. This adds a layer of 'gravitas' to the word when used in modern contexts. You might use 'tamḥīṣ' to describe the 'due diligence' process in high-stakes business or the 'vetting' process in intelligence and security. Your ability to contrast 'tamḥīṣ' with 'tadqīq' (which is more technical) and 'istiqṣā'' (which is more exhaustive in scope) will demonstrate a high level of linguistic precision. Furthermore, you should be able to use the word in the passive or with various verbal patterns to describe the state of being scrutinized, such as 'khuḍū' al-fikra lil-tamḥīṣ' (the idea's submission to scrutiny). This level of mastery allows you to navigate the most demanding professional and academic environments in the Arabic-speaking world.
At the C2 level, 'tamḥīṣ' is a tool for precision in the highest forms of Arabic expression, including philosophical treatises, legal opinions, and high-level diplomatic communication. You understand that 'tamḥīṣ' is not merely an action but a methodology of truth-seeking. It represents the 'refining fire' of the intellect. You can use it to discuss the 'tamḥīṣ' of the soul in Sufi literature, the 'tamḥīṣ' of evidence in the highest appellate courts, or the 'tamḥīṣ' of data in advanced theoretical physics. At this stage, you are expected to handle the word's morphological family with ease, recognizing how the Form II structure 'maḥḥaṣa/tamḥīṣ' emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the process compared to other forms. You might use it in a critique of a national policy, stating that 'the lack of tamḥīṣ in the planning phase led to catastrophic results.' You also appreciate the word's rhetorical power; using 'tamḥīṣ' instead of 'fahs' or 'baḥth' in a speech can elevate the entire tone of the argument, suggesting a commitment to the highest standards of integrity. You should be able to analyze how the word has evolved from its literal roots in metallurgy to its current status as a cornerstone of intellectual rigor. Whether you are drafting a legal contract, writing a doctoral thesis, or delivering a keynote address, 'tamḥīṣ' is the word you use to denote a process that is as much about moral integrity as it is about intellectual accuracy. Your mastery of this word signifies a near-native command of the nuances that define the upper reaches of the Arabic language.

تمحيص in 30 Seconds

  • Tamhis is a formal Arabic noun meaning 'scrutiny' or 'rigorous examination.'
  • It originates from a root meaning to 'purify' or 'refine' like gold.
  • It is commonly used in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts.
  • It implies a deep, critical look to separate truth from error.

The Arabic word تمحيص (Tamḥīṣ) is a sophisticated noun derived from the root m-ḥ-ṣ (م-ح-ص), which historically relates to the process of purifying gold or silver by removing impurities through intense heat. In modern usage, it translates to 'scrutiny,' 'meticulous examination,' or 'rigorous vetting.' Unlike a casual glance or a simple check, tamḥīṣ implies an investigative depth where every detail is weighed against standards of truth and accuracy. It is the kind of looking that happens when a judge reviews evidence, when a scientist peer-reviews a groundbreaking study, or when a historian cross-references ancient manuscripts to separate myth from fact. When you use this word, you are signaling that the process is not just a formality but a critical filter meant to ensure only the highest quality or the absolute truth remains. It is a word of high register, frequently appearing in legal, academic, and administrative contexts where the stakes of error are high. For example, in the context of government appointments, candidates undergo tamḥīṣ to ensure their backgrounds are clear of any ethical blemishes. It suggests a movement from a state of mixture and confusion to a state of clarity and purity. In the Quranic context, the root is used to describe the trials that believers undergo to 'purify' their hearts and distinguish the sincere from the insincere. Therefore, the word carries a weight of ethical and intellectual rigor that simpler words like baḥth (search) or faḥṣ (examination) lack.

Academic Context
Used when discussing the peer-review process or the critical analysis of literary texts to find hidden meanings or errors in logic.
Legal Context
Refers to the rigorous vetting of witnesses or the detailed scrutiny of contract clauses to prevent future litigation.
Spiritual/Moral Context
Describes the internal process of self-examination or the external trials that test a person's character and resilience.

يتطلب البحث العلمي تمحيصاً دقيقاً لجميع المصادر والبيانات قبل الوصول إلى النتائج النهائية.

خضعت ملفات المتقدمين للوظيفة لعملية تمحيص شاملة لاستبعاد غير المؤهلين.

لا يمكن قبول هذه النظرية دون تمحيص نقدي عميق من قبل الخبراء في هذا المجال.

إن تمحيص الذات هو الخطوة الأولى نحو التحسين المستمر والنمو الشخصي.

بعد تمحيص طويل، تبين أن الوثيقة كانت مزورة باحترافية عالية.

In sentence construction, تمحيص usually functions as a subject, object, or part of an idafa construction (possessive phrase). Because it is a noun of action, it is often followed by another noun that specifies what is being scrutinized. For instance, you will frequently hear 'tamḥīṣ al-adilla' (scrutiny of evidence) or 'tamḥīṣ al-afkār' (scrutiny of ideas). It is a versatile word that can describe both physical and abstract processes. When used in a sentence, it elevates the tone, making the speaker sound more precise and professional. It is almost never used in casual slang; you wouldn't use it to describe checking your grocery list unless you were being intentionally hyperbolic or humorous. Instead, use it when the process involves critical thinking, skepticism, or a high degree of attention to detail. It is also common to see it paired with adjectives like 'daqīq' (precise), 'shāmil' (comprehensive), or 'naqdī' (critical) to further emphasize the depth of the investigation. In academic writing, it is a staple for describing the methodology of a study, particularly in the humanities and social sciences where qualitative analysis requires the researcher to sift through large amounts of text or data to find underlying patterns or truths. In the legal sphere, a lawyer might request the tamḥīṣ of a witness's testimony to uncover inconsistencies. By mastering this word, you move beyond the basic vocabulary of 'checking' and 'looking' into the realm of 'analyzing' and 'evaluating' at a professional level.

As a Subject
تمحيص الحقائق يتطلب وقتاً طويلاً. (Scrutinizing the facts requires a long time.)
As an Object
أجرت اللجنة تمحيصاً دقيقاً للميزانية. (The committee conducted a precise scrutiny of the budget.)
In a Prepositional Phrase
بعد التمحيص، قررنا إلغاء المشروع. (After scrutiny, we decided to cancel the project.)

لا يكتمل العمل الأدبي بدون تمحيص لغوي وفني من قبل المحرر.

إن تمحيص التاريخ يكشف لنا زيف الكثير من الروايات الشائعة.

يجب علينا تمحيص كل عرض قبل التوقيع على أي التزام مالي.

خضعت النظرية الجديدة لعملية تمحيص من قبل علماء عالميين.

يتطلب قبول المنحة تمحيصاً لسجل الطالب الأكاديمي والمهني.

You will most commonly encounter تمحيص in formal media, intellectual discourse, and professional environments. If you watch news channels like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will hear news anchors and political analysts use this word when discussing the vetting of government officials, the investigation of corruption scandals, or the analysis of complex international treaties. In these contexts, tamḥīṣ conveys a sense of seriousness and thoroughness that the public expects from investigative journalism. In academic settings, such as university lectures or scholarly seminars, professors use the word to describe the process of critical inquiry and the validation of sources. It is also a key term in religious scholarship, where it refers to the process of verifying the authenticity of Hadiths (prophetic sayings) or the 'purification' of one's faith through trials. In the corporate world, particularly in the Arab Gulf region, you might hear it during high-level meetings regarding 'due diligence' for mergers and acquisitions. It is a word that commands respect; when a manager says, 'We need a tamḥīṣ of these figures,' it means they don't trust the surface-level data and want a deep dive. Furthermore, in literature and philosophy books, the word is used to describe the internal struggle to find truth and the mental effort required to distinguish between reality and illusion. While you won't hear it at a vegetable market or in a casual chat between friends about football, you will find it indispensable for understanding the 'intellectual' layer of Arabic society.

News Media
Discussing the vetting of presidential candidates or the scrutiny of a new law by the parliament.
University Lectures
Explaining the methodology of historical research or scientific verification.
Religious Sermons
Talking about how life's difficulties are a form of 'tamhis' (purification) for the soul.

أكد المحلل السياسي أن الاتفاقية تحتاج إلى تمحيص برلماني قبل المصادقة عليها.

في الفيلم الوثائقي، قام المخرج بـ تمحيص الأدلة الجنائية للقضية القديمة.

تخضع طلبات الهجرة لعملية تمحيص أمني دقيقة لضمان سلامة المجتمع.

قال العالم إن العلم يبدأ بـ تمحيص الملاحظات الأولية والتأكد من صحتها.

عند مراجعة العقود الكبيرة، لا بد من تمحيص كل بند قانوني لتجنب الثغرات.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with تمحيص is using it for everyday, mundane checks. For instance, saying you are doing tamḥīṣ of your backpack to find your pen sounds strange and overly dramatic; in that case, baḥth or taftīsh (search) would be appropriate. Another mistake is confusing it with taṣḥīḥ (correction). While tamḥīṣ might lead to correction, it is the act of *scrutiny* itself, not the act of fixing the error. Additionally, many learners confuse it with faḥṣ (examination/test). While they are related, faḥṣ is more general and often refers to medical check-ups or school exams, whereas tamḥīṣ implies a deeper, more critical level of investigation into the essence or truth of a matter. Grammatically, students sometimes forget that tamḥīṣ is a noun and try to use it like a verb without the proper conjugation. Remember that the verb is maḥḥaṣa (to scrutinize), though the noun form is much more frequent. Another nuance often missed is the 'purification' aspect. In some religious or philosophical contexts, tamḥīṣ refers to a trial that tests one's mettle. Using it simply to mean 'reading' is a common error; reading is qirā'a, but reading with the intent to find flaws or verify facts is tamḥīṣ. Finally, ensure you are using the correct preposition; while it often stands alone in an idafa, if you use a preposition, li- (for) is the most common for the object of the scrutiny.

Confusion with 'Fahs'
Don't use 'tamhis' for a doctor's check-up. Use 'fahs tibbi'. 'Tamhis' is for documents, ideas, or character.
Over-dramatization
Avoid using it for simple tasks like looking for a lost shoe. It makes you sound like a detective in a noir film.
Misunderstanding the Root
Learners sometimes think it comes from 'maḥṣ' (to erase), but it's from 'm-ḥ-ṣ' (to purify/test).

Incorrect: ذهبت للمستشفى لعمل تمحيص لدمي.

Correct: ذهبت للمستشفى لعمل فحص لدمي.

Incorrect: قمت بـ تمحيص مفاتيحي في الغرفة.

Correct: قمت بـ البحث عن مفاتيحي في الغرفة.

Contextual usage: خضعت النظرية لـ تمحيص دقيق من قبل اللجنة.

Arabic is famous for its rich synonymy, and تمحيص sits in a cluster of words related to looking and checking. To use it correctly, you must distinguish it from its neighbors. Tadqīq (تدقيق) is the closest synonym, meaning 'auditing' or 'scrutinizing for accuracy.' While they are often interchangeable, tadqīq is more common in accounting and grammar, whereas tamḥīṣ is more common in intellectual and legal vetting. Faḥṣ (فحص) is a general term for 'examination' or 'testing,' used for everything from medical exams to checking a car's engine. Baḥth (بحث) means 'search' or 'research' and is broader in scope. Istiqṣā' (استقصاء) means 'investigation' or 'exhaustion of options,' implying that the investigator has looked into every possible corner. Murāja'a (مراجعة) means 'review' and is much lighter than tamḥīṣ. Naqd (نقد) means 'criticism' or 'critique,' focusing on evaluating the merits and faults of a work. Finally, ikhtibār (اختبار) means 'test' or 'experiment.' Choosing the right word depends on the level of intensity and the specific domain of the action. If you want to emphasize the 'purification' of the truth from falsehood, tamḥīṣ is the most evocative choice. It suggests that after the process is done, what remains is the pure, unadulterated reality.

Tamhis vs. Tadqiq
Tamhis is often used for vetting people or complex ideas; Tadqiq is often used for numbers, grammar, or technical details.
Tamhis vs. Istiqsa
Istiqsa emphasizes the breadth (searching everywhere), while Tamhis emphasizes the depth (looking closely at the quality).
Tamhis vs. Muraja'a
Muraja'a is a general review; Tamhis is a critical, rigorous scrutiny.

تحتاج الحسابات المالية إلى تدقيق محاسبي، بينما تحتاج السير الذاتية إلى تمحيص.

الفرق بين الفحص و التمحيص هو فرق في العمق والهدف من العملية.

استخدم الاستقصاء عندما تريد جمع كل المعلومات، و التمحيص عندما تريد تقييم جودتها.

تعتبر المراجعة خطوة روتينية، أما التمحيص فهو خطوة نقدية أساسية.

يهدف النقد إلى إظهار العيوب والمزايا، بينما يهدف التمحيص إلى الوصول إلى الحقيقة المجردة.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is used in the Quran (3:141) to describe how God 'purifies' believers through trials, showing that the word has a deep spiritual history alongside its technical meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tam.ħiːsˤ/
US /tæm.hiːsˤ/
The stress is on the second syllable: tam-HISS.
Rhymes With
تخليص (Takhlees - clearance) ترخيص (Tarkhees - licensing) تشخيص (Tashkhees - diagnosis) تقليص (Taqlees - reduction) تخصيص (Takhsees - allocation) رخيص (Rakhees - cheap) قميص (Qamees - shirt) حريص (Harees - keen)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'h' (ح) as a soft English 'h' instead of the deep pharyngeal 'h'.
  • Pronouncing 's' (ص) as a light 's' like in 'sun' instead of the emphatic 's'.
  • Shortening the long 'i' (ي) sound.
  • Mixing up the root with 'mahas' (to wipe/erase).
  • Forgetting to emphasize the final 's' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of formal root structures.

Writing 5/5

Using it naturally requires a good feel for high-register Arabic.

Speaking 6/5

Rarely used in speech unless in a formal debate or lecture.

Listening 4/5

Easily recognizable once you know the root and the 'tamfeel' pattern.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

بحث (Search) فحص (Check) نظر (Look) دقة (Accuracy) حقيقة (Truth)

Learn Next

استقصاء (Investigation) تحرٍّ (Inquiry) تفنيد (Refutation) برهان (Proof) استنباط (Deduction)

Advanced

إبستمولوجيا (Epistemology) فقه (Jurisprudence) نقد (Criticism) منطق (Logic) تحقيق (Verification)

Grammar to Know

Masdar of Form II verbs (تفعيل)

محّص -> تمحيص، علّم -> تعليم، درّب -> تدريب.

Idafa Construction (The Possessive Link)

تمحيصُ الحقائقِ (The scrutiny of the facts).

Noun-Adjective Agreement

تمحيصٌ دقيقٌ (A precise scrutiny) - both are masculine and indefinite.

The preposition 'li-' with Tamhis

التمحيص للملفات (The scrutiny for the files).

Accusative case for objects

أجرت اللجنة تمحيصاً (The committee conducted a scrutiny).

Examples by Level

1

هذا تمحيص كبير.

This is a big scrutiny/check.

Simple demonstrative pronoun 'hadha' with the noun 'tamhis'.

2

أريد تمحيص الورقة.

I want a scrutiny of the paper.

Verb 'urid' (I want) followed by the noun 'tamhis'.

3

التمحيص جيد.

The scrutiny is good.

Definite noun 'al-tamhis' as the subject.

4

هو يحب التمحيص.

He likes scrutiny.

Subject pronoun 'huwa' with the verb 'yuhibb'.

5

شكراً على التمحيص.

Thanks for the scrutiny.

Preposition 'ala' (on/for) followed by the noun.

6

التمحيص صعب.

The scrutiny is difficult.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

7

هنا تمحيص دقيق.

Here is a precise scrutiny.

Adverb of place 'huna' with a noun-adjective pair.

8

بدأ التمحيص الآن.

The scrutiny started now.

Past tense verb 'bada'a' with the noun as the subject.

1

يجب تمحيص كل جملة.

Every sentence must be scrutinized.

The word 'yajibu' (must) followed by the masdar 'tamhis'.

2

بعد تمحيص الكتاب، وجدنا خطأً.

After scrutinizing the book, we found a mistake.

Preposition 'ba'da' (after) followed by an idafa construction.

3

التمحيص مهم في العمل.

Scrutiny is important in work.

Nominal sentence with 'fi' prepositional phrase.

4

نحن نحتاج إلى تمحيص البيانات.

We need to scrutinize the data.

Verb 'nahtaju' (we need) with the preposition 'ila'.

5

قام المعلم بتمحيص الإجابات.

The teacher scrutinized the answers.

The verb 'qama bi-' (to perform/do) followed by the noun.

6

التمحيص الدقيق يمنع المشاكل.

Precise scrutiny prevents problems.

Noun-adjective phrase as a subject.

7

هل انتهى تمحيص الملفات؟

Has the scrutiny of the files ended?

Interrogative particle 'hal' with a past tense verb.

8

لا بد من تمحيص الخبر.

The news must be scrutinized.

The expression 'la budda min' (it is necessary to).

1

تخضع جميع الطلبات لعملية تمحيص شاملة.

All applications undergo a comprehensive scrutiny process.

Verb 'takhda'u' (undergo) with the preposition 'li-'.

2

يتطلب هذا المشروع تمحيصاً نقدياً للأفكار.

This project requires a critical scrutiny of ideas.

Verb 'yatalabb' with an accusative noun 'tamhisan'.

3

بدون تمحيص، قد نقع في أخطاء كبيرة.

Without scrutiny, we might fall into big mistakes.

Preposition 'bidun' (without) used for condition.

4

أجرت اللجنة تمحيصاً دقيقاً لسيرة المرشح.

The committee conducted a precise scrutiny of the candidate's CV.

Verb 'ajrat' (conducted) with the object 'tamhisan'.

5

يهدف التمحيص إلى التأكد من صحة المعلومات.

The scrutiny aims to ensure the accuracy of the information.

Verb 'yahdufu ila' (aims to) followed by the subject.

6

بعد تمحيص الأدلة، ظهرت الحقيقة.

After scrutinizing the evidence, the truth emerged.

Temporal clause starting with 'ba'da'.

7

لا يمكننا قبول العرض دون تمحيص مالي.

We cannot accept the offer without a financial scrutiny.

Negative modal 'la yumkinuna' (we cannot).

8

يعتبر التمحيص جزءاً أساسياً من البحث العلمي.

Scrutiny is considered an essential part of scientific research.

Passive-like verb 'yu'tabaru' (is considered).

1

إن تمحيص الحقائق هو واجب كل صحفي حر.

Scrutinizing the facts is the duty of every free journalist.

Starting with 'inna' for emphasis, followed by the noun.

2

خضعت الميزانية لتمحيص برلماني مكثف قبل إقرارها.

The budget underwent intensive parliamentary scrutiny before being approved.

Passive structure 'qabla iqrariha' (before its approval).

3

يجب تمحيص الدوافع وراء هذا القرار المفاجئ.

The motives behind this sudden decision must be scrutinized.

Plural noun 'al-dawafi'' as the object of 'tamhis'.

4

أظهر التمحيص وجود ثغرات قانونية في العقد.

The scrutiny revealed the existence of legal loopholes in the contract.

The noun 'al-tamhis' acting as the subject of the verb 'azhara'.

5

لا بد من تمحيص الروايات التاريخية بعين ناقدة.

Historical accounts must be scrutinized with a critical eye.

Adverbial phrase 'bi-'ayn naqida' (with a critical eye).

6

يستغرق تمحيص طلبات براءات الاختراع شهوراً طويلة.

Scrutinizing patent applications takes many long months.

Verb 'yastaghriqu' (takes time) with 'tamhis' as the subject.

7

قرر المدير تمحيص أداء الموظفين بشكل فردي.

The manager decided to scrutinize the employees' performance individually.

The noun 'ada'' (performance) in an idafa with 'al-muwazzafin'.

8

إن عملية التمحيص تضمن جودة المنتج النهائي.

The scrutiny process guarantees the quality of the final product.

Verb 'tadmanu' (guarantees) with 'amaliyyat al-tamhis' as subject.

1

يتجاوز التمحيص مجرد المراجعة السطحية إلى تحليل الجوهر.

Scrutiny goes beyond mere superficial review to the analysis of the essence.

Contrast between 'tamhis' and 'al-muraja'a al-sathiyya'.

2

أفضى تمحيص الوثائق السرية إلى كشف مؤامرة دولية.

The scrutiny of secret documents led to the uncovering of an international conspiracy.

Verb 'afda ila' (led to) with 'tamhis' as the subject.

3

تعتبر هذه المرحلة تمحيصاً حقيقياً لمبادئنا وقيمنا.

This stage is considered a true scrutiny (testing) of our principles and values.

Abstract usage of 'tamhis' as a test of character.

4

لا غنى عن تمحيص المصادر في ظل انتشار الأخبار الزائفة.

Scrutinizing sources is indispensable in light of the spread of fake news.

The expression 'la ghina 'an' (indispensable).

5

خضع النص الأدبي لتمحيص لغوي من قبل كبار النقاد.

The literary text underwent linguistic scrutiny by top critics.

Passive-like construction with 'min qibal' (by).

6

إن تمحيص الذات يقتضي شجاعة لمواجهة الأخطاء الشخصية.

Self-scrutiny requires courage to face personal mistakes.

Verb 'yaqtadi' (requires/entails).

7

أكدت الدراسة على ضرورة تمحيص السياسات التعليمية الحالية.

The study emphasized the need to scrutinize current educational policies.

The noun 'darura' (necessity) followed by 'tamhis'.

8

يؤدي غياب التمحيص إلى تغلغل الفساد في المؤسسات.

The absence of scrutiny leads to the infiltration of corruption in institutions.

Noun 'ghiyab' (absence) in an idafa with 'al-tamhis'.

1

إن تمحيص التراث الفكري يستوجب فصلاً دقيقاً بين الأصيل والدخيل.

The scrutiny of intellectual heritage necessitates a precise separation between the authentic and the extraneous.

Complex idafa and the use of 'yastawjibu' (necessitates).

2

تتجلى عبقرية الكاتب في تمحيصه العميق للنفس البشرية وتناقضاتها.

The writer's genius is manifested in his deep scrutiny of the human soul and its contradictions.

Possessive suffix attached to the masdar 'tamhiṣ-i-hi'.

3

لم ينجُ أي بيان من تمحيص المعارضة الشرسة في البرلمان.

No statement escaped the scrutiny of the fierce opposition in parliament.

Jussive 'lam yanju' (did not escape) with the preposition 'min'.

4

يتطلب اللاهوت المقارن تمحيصاً دقيقاً للنصوص المقدسة وسياقاتها.

Comparative theology requires a meticulous scrutiny of sacred texts and their contexts.

Technical academic terminology.

5

أدى التمحيص الإبستمولوجي إلى إعادة النظر في أسس العلم الحديث.

Epistemological scrutiny led to a reconsideration of the foundations of modern science.

Use of high-level philosophical adjectives.

6

إن تمحيص الشهادات في المحاكم العليا يمثل ذروة العدالة الإجرائية.

The scrutiny of testimonies in high courts represents the pinnacle of procedural justice.

Abstract noun 'dhurwa' (pinnacle).

7

لا يمكن بلوغ اليقين إلا عبر تمحيص الشكوك وتفنيدها.

Certainty cannot be reached except through the scrutiny of doubts and their refutation.

Negative 'la... illa' (not... except) construction.

8

تخضع النظريات الاقتصادية لتمحيص الواقع وتقلبات السوق.

Economic theories undergo the scrutiny of reality and market fluctuations.

Personification of 'al-waqi'' (reality) as the scrutinizer.

Common Collocations

تمحيص دقيق
تمحيص الحقائق
عملية تمحيص
تمحيص شامل
تمحيص الأدلة
يخضع للتمحيص
تمحيص نقدي
بعد التمحيص
تمحيص أمني
تمحيص الذات

Common Phrases

تحت التمحيص

— Under scrutiny. Used when something is being currently examined.

هذه القضية لا تزال تحت التمحيص.

قابل للتمحيص

— Verifiable or subject to examination. Used for claims.

كلامه غير قابل للتمحيص العلمي.

تمحيص الموقف

— Analyzing the situation deeply to make a decision.

علينا تمحيص الموقف قبل الرد.

تمحيص النظر

— To look very closely or stare intently to understand.

تمحيص النظر في اللوحة كشف أسرارها.

بدون أدنى تمحيص

— Without the slightest scrutiny. Used to criticize laziness.

قبل الخبر بدون أدنى تمحيص.

تمحيص البيانات

— Data scrubbing or rigorous data analysis.

تمحيص البيانات استغرق أسبوعاً.

تمحيص الخيارات

— Carefully weighing different options before choosing.

بعد تمحيص الخيارات، اخترنا الأفضل.

تمحيص السيرة الذاتية

— Vetting a resume or background check.

تمحيص السيرة الذاتية كشف كذبه.

تمحيص النصوص

— Textual criticism or detailed philological study.

تمحيص النصوص القديمة يحتاج لخبرة.

تمحيص المصادر

— Source verification, especially in history or journalism.

تمحيص المصادر يمنع التضليل.

Often Confused With

تمحيص vs تدقيق

Tadqiq is often more technical (auditing numbers), while tamhis is more qualitative (scrutinizing ideas or character).

تمحيص vs فحص

Fahs is general (medical check-up), whereas tamhis is specifically a critical, deep examination.

تمحيص vs بحث

Bahth is to search for something lost or to research a topic, while tamhis is to scrutinize existing info for truth.

Idioms & Expressions

"وضع تحت مجهر التمحيص"

— To put under the microscope of scrutiny. To examine with extreme detail.

وضع البرلمان الميزانية تحت مجهر التمحيص.

Journalistic
"تمحيص الغث من السمين"

— To distinguish the bad from the good (literally the lean from the fat).

القراءة الواعية تمحص الغث من السمين في الأدب.

Literary
"غربلة وتمحيص"

— Sifting and scrutinizing. Used for processing large amounts of info.

نحتاج إلى غربلة وتمحيص لهذه التقارير.

Formal
"تمحيص القلوب"

— The testing of hearts/intentions by God or by life's trials.

الشدائد هي التي تقوم بتمحيص القلوب.

Religious
"بعين التمحيص"

— With an eye of scrutiny. Looking critically.

نظر القاضي للشهود بعين التمحيص.

Formal
"تمحيص حتى النخاع"

— Scrutinizing to the core/marrow. Total examination.

تم تمحيص الملف حتى النخاع.

Emphatic
"لا يصمد أمام التمحيص"

— Does not stand up to scrutiny. Something that is proven false.

هذا الادعاء لا يصمد أمام التمحيص العلمي.

Academic
"تمحيص الشك باليقين"

— Scrutinizing doubt with certainty. Seeking total clarity.

هدفنا هو تمحيص الشك باليقين.

Philosophical
"محرقة التمحيص"

— The furnace of scrutiny. A very difficult test or vetting.

دخل الوزير الجديد محرقة التمحيص الإعلامي.

Journalistic
"تمحيص ما وراء السطور"

— Scrutinizing what is between the lines. Finding hidden meaning.

التمحيص فيما وراء السطور يكشف النوايا.

Literary

Easily Confused

تمحيص vs تمحيص

Sounds like 'tashkhees'.

Tamhis is scrutiny; Tashkhees is diagnosis or personification.

تمحيص الأدلة (Scrutiny of evidence) vs تشخيص المرض (Diagnosis of disease).

تمحيص vs تمحيص

Sounds like 'takhlees'.

Tamhis is scrutiny; Takhlees is clearing, rescuing, or summarizing.

تمحيص الحقائق (Scrutiny of facts) vs تخليص البضائع (Customs clearance).

تمحيص vs تمحيص

Sounds like 'tamheed'.

Tamhis is scrutiny; Tamheed is introduction or paving the way.

تمحيص الفكرة (Scrutinizing the idea) vs تمهيد الطريق (Paving the road).

تمحيص vs تمحيص

Sounds like 'tahqeeq'.

Tamhis is the detailed look; Tahqeeq is the formal investigation or achievement.

تحقيق العدالة (Achieving justice) vs تمحيص الشهادة (Scrutinizing the testimony).

تمحيص vs تمحيص

Sounds like 'tamyeez'.

Tamhis is scrutiny; Tamyeez is distinction or discrimination.

التمييز العنصري (Racial discrimination) vs تمحيص الخيارات (Scrutinizing options).

Sentence Patterns

A2

هذا [Noun] يحتاج إلى تمحيص.

هذا الخبر يحتاج إلى تمحيص.

B1

بعد تمحيص [Noun]، وجدنا أن [Clause].

بعد تمحيص الوثائق، وجدنا أن هناك خطأ.

B1

يجب تمحيص [Noun] قبل [Verb/Noun].

يجب تمحيص العرض قبل التوقيع.

B2

تخضع [Noun] لعملية تمحيص [Adjective].

تخضع الميزانية لعملية تمحيص شاملة.

B2

أظهر التمحيص أن [Noun] [Predicate].

أظهر التمحيص أن النظرية صحيحة.

C1

لا غنى عن تمحيص [Noun] في ظل [Context].

لا غنى عن تمحيص الأخبار في ظل الإنترنت.

C1

إن تمحيص [Noun] يقتضي [Noun].

إن تمحيص الذات يقتضي الصدق.

C2

لم ينجُ [Noun] من تمحيص [Noun].

لم ينجُ البيان من تمحيص النقاد.

Word Family

Nouns

تمحيص (Scrutiny)
محص (The act of testing/purifying - rare)

Verbs

محّص (To scrutinize/purify - Form II)
انمحص (To be purified/scrutinized - rare Form VII)

Adjectives

ممحَّص (Scrutinized/Refined)
ممحِّص (One who scrutinizes)

Related

اختبار (Test)
تنقية (Purification)
تصفية (Filtering)
تدقيق (Auditing)
تحليل (Analysis)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal written Arabic and news; low in daily spoken Arabic.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'tamhis' for medical checks. استخدام كلمة 'فحص'.

    'Tamhis' is for abstract or intellectual scrutiny, not physical medical exams.

  • Using 'tamhis' for searching for lost objects. استخدام كلمة 'بحث'.

    You don't 'scrutinize' for keys, you 'search' for them.

  • Pronouncing 's' (ص) as 's' (س). نطقها كحرف الصاد المفخم.

    The emphatic 's' is crucial; otherwise, it sounds like a different word.

  • Using the verb 'mahhassa' in casual speech. استخدام 'شفت' أو 'فحصت'.

    The verb is very formal and rarely used in spoken dialects.

  • Confusing 'tamhis' with 'tashkhees'. التمييز بين التمحيص والتشخيص.

    Tamhis is scrutiny; Tashkhees is diagnosis.

Tips

Use it in Essays

Whenever you want to say 'detailed check' in an essay, use 'tamhis' to impress your teacher.

Idafa Rule

Remember that 'tamhis' is usually the first part of an idafa (tamhis + the thing being checked).

Deep H sound

Make sure to use the pharyngeal 'H' (ح) and not the 'Kh' (خ) or soft 'h'.

News Listening

Listen for 'tamhis' when the news talks about government investigations or legal cases.

Pair with Adjectives

Commonly paired with 'daqiq' (precise) or 'naqdi' (critical).

Root Recognition

If you see M-H-S (م-ح-ص), think of 'refining' or 'checking'.

Formal Debates

It's a perfect word to use when you want to say you have analyzed your opponent's argument.

Spiritual Meaning

Understand that 'tamhis' can also mean a 'test of faith' in a spiritual context.

Contrast with Fahs

Always remember: Fahs = general check; Tamhis = deep, critical scrutiny.

Mnemonic

Tamhis = 'The Absolute Meticulous High-level Inspection Service'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tam-Hiss'. A 'Hiss' is a sound a snake makes, and you have to look very closely ('Tam') to find a snake in the grass. Or imagine 'Tam' (Thumb) and 'His' (History) - checking history with your thumb on every line.

Visual Association

Imagine a piece of gold being held in a blue flame. The fire represents the 'tamhis' process, burning away the dirt to leave only the pure gold. Or imagine a giant magnifying glass over a legal document.

Word Web

Truth Gold Evidence Vetting Purification Detail Judge Scientist

Challenge

Try to use 'tamhis' in a sentence today when you describe checking your email or a news story. See if you can explain the 'purification' aspect to a friend.

Word Origin

Derived from the triconsonantal Arabic root M-H-S (م-ح-ص). In ancient Arabic, it specifically referred to the process of heating gold and silver to separate the pure metal from the dross (impurities).

Original meaning: To purify by fire or to refine metal.

Semitic (Afroasiatic).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that using it in a religious context implies a 'test from God,' so use it respectfully.

In English, we use 'scrutiny' or 'due diligence.' While 'due diligence' is mostly business-oriented, 'tamhis' covers that plus spiritual and intellectual vetting.

Quran 3:141: 'وَلِيُمَحِّصَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا' (And that Allah may purify those who believe). Modern political speeches in Arab parliaments often use 'tamhis al-mizaniyya' (scrutiny of the budget). Literary critiques in magazines like 'Al-Adab' use it for textual analysis.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Proceedings

  • تمحيص الأدلة
  • تمحيص الشهادات
  • تمحيص العقود
  • خضع لتمحيص القاضي

Academic Research

  • تمحيص المصادر
  • تمحيص المنهجية
  • تمحيص البيانات الإحصائية
  • تمحيص نقدي

Human Resources

  • تمحيص السير الذاتية
  • تمحيص خلفية المرشح
  • عملية تمحيص الموظفين
  • تمحيص الكفاءات

Journalism

  • تمحيص الأخبار
  • تمحيص التصريحات
  • تمحيص الوثائق المسربة
  • تحت مجهر التمحيص

Personal Growth

  • تمحيص الذات
  • تمحيص النوايا
  • تمحيص الأفكار الشخصية
  • تمحيص القيم

Conversation Starters

"هل تعتقد أن تمحيص الأخبار في وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي ممكن اليوم؟"

"كيف نقوم بتمحيص المصادر التاريخية دون تحيز؟"

"هل خضع هذا المشروع لتمحيص مالي كافٍ قبل البدء؟"

"لماذا يعتبر تمحيص الذات أمراً صعباً بالنسبة للكثيرين؟"

"ما هي أهمية التمحيص في البحث العلمي من وجهة نظرك؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن موقف اضطررت فيه إلى تمحيص قرار كبير في حياتك.

ناقش الفرق بين المراجعة السطحية والتمحيص العميق في دراستك.

كيف يمكن لعملية التمحيص أن تحسن جودة العمل الجماعي؟

تخيل أنك قاضٍ، صف كيف ستقوم بتمحيص الأدلة في قضية غامضة.

هل تعتقد أن كثرة التمحيص قد تؤدي إلى التردد في اتخاذ القرارات؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'fahs' (فحص) for medical contexts. 'Tamhis' is for documents, ideas, or character vetting.

Not at all. It is a neutral process of finding the truth. You can perform 'tamhis' on a good idea to confirm its greatness.

The verb is 'maḥḥaṣa' (محّص), which is a Form II verb meaning 'to scrutinize' or 'to purify'.

In daily spoken dialects, it is very rare. However, in newspapers, books, and TV news, it is extremely common.

Yes, in the Quran it refers to God testing and purifying the hearts of believers through difficult times.

'Tadqiq' is often about technical accuracy (like an accountant), while 'tamhis' is about deeper truth and quality (like a judge).

The plural 'tamhisat' exists but is rarely used as the word is mostly treated as an abstract concept.

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'bahth' (بحث) for searching for physical objects.

Yes, its literal root meaning is to refine metals by removing impurities using heat.

Yes, it is high-register Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'تمحيص' in a legal context.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'تمحيص' in an academic context.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'الأخبار'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'الميزانية'.

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writing

Translate: 'The scrutiny of the facts is important.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص الذات'.

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writing

Translate: 'After scrutiny, we found the error.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'المرشح'.

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writing

Translate: 'The project requires precise scrutiny.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'التاريخ'.

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writing

Translate: 'Without scrutiny, we will fail.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'العقد'.

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writing

Translate: 'The teacher scrutinized the answers.'

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writing

Translate: 'Scrutiny is a part of research.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'النوايا'.

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writing

Translate: 'The news is under scrutiny.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'تمحيص' and 'البيانات'.

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writing

Translate: 'I need to scrutinize this file.'

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writing

Translate: 'Thanks for your scrutiny.'

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writing

Write a philosophical sentence using 'تمحيص'.

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speaking

Say 'Careful scrutiny' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'After scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'I need scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny of facts' in Arabic.

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Say 'Without scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny is important' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny of evidence' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny process' in Arabic.

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Say 'Self-scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'The teacher scrutinized' in Arabic.

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Say 'Under scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Precise scrutiny' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Scrutiny of the budget' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Check the news' (using tamhis) in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny of sources' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scientific scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Critical scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Comprehensive scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Financial scrutiny' in Arabic.

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Say 'Scrutiny of the soul' in Arabic.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a judge.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a teacher.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a news report about the budget.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a discussion about fake news.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a job interview.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about scientific research.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about historical facts.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a religious sermon.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a contract.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about government vetting.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about data analysis.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a book review.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about legal evidence.

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listening

Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a philosophical podcast.

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Identify the word 'تمحيص' in a sentence about a mistake.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why we need 'tamhis' for internet news.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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