subtest
UK: ˈsʌbˌtest | US: ˈsʌbˌtest
n. a secondary or component test within a larger examination or assessment
The word "subtest" combines the Latin prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "secondary") with the noun "test" (from Latin testum, originally referring to an earthen pot but later evolving to mean "trial" or "examination"). The term emerged in the 20th century within psychological and educational testing contexts, logically describing a smaller test nested within a broader assessment battery. The prefix "sub-" maintains its classical sense of hierarchy, while "test" retains its modern evaluative meaning.
The IQ assessment includes a verbal subtest and a spatial reasoning subtest.
Researchers analyzed scores from the memory subtest separately.
Each subtest measures a specific cognitive ability.
The reading comprehension subtest was notably challenging.
Teachers can customize subtests to target individual learning gaps.