Vet

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Vet (verb / noun) = as verb: to carefully examine or check someone or something for suitability, accuracy or safety; as noun: a veterinarian (animal doctor).

The verb meaning is the most common in everyday English, especially in news and professional contexts. It means to thoroughly check or screen a person, document, plan, or idea before accepting or using it — like doing background checks to make sure everything is okay.

The word comes from “veterinarian” (animal doctor), but the verb sense developed from the idea of a vet carefully examining animals. Today it’s widely used metaphorically for any careful inspection: vetting job applicants, vetting news stories, vetting political candidates. It signals caution and due diligence — making sure nothing dangerous or unsuitable slips through.

As a noun, “vet” is the short, everyday word for a veterinarian — the person you take your dog or cat to. In British English especially, people say “the vet” naturally.

Examples from the street:

• “They need to vet all new employees properly” → carefully check backgrounds before hiring
• “The article wasn’t vetted — that’s why it had mistakes” → not properly checked before publishing
• “I’m taking the cat to the vet tomorrow” → going to the animal doctor for a check-up

2. Most Common Patterns

• vet + noun → check or screen someone/something
• be vetted → undergo thorough checking (passive)
• vet + for + noun → screen specifically for a quality or risk
• carefully/properly/thoroughly vet → emphasize the level of checking
• take/go to the vet → visit the animal doctor

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs directly containing “vet” — these are related expressions:

• check out → examine or investigate someone/something
  Example: “We should check out the new supplier carefully.”
• screen for → look for or filter out specific risks or qualities
  Example: “They screen candidates for criminal records.”
• run through → quickly check or review something
  Example: “Let me run through your CV before the interview.”

4. Example Sentences

1. All new hires must be vetted before starting work.→ Every new employee needs thorough background checking prior to employment.
2. The committee will vet the candidates next week.→ The group plans to carefully assess the applicants in the coming days.
3. The story wasn’t properly vetted and contained errors.→ The article lacked sufficient fact-checking and included inaccuracies.
4. They vet applicants for security clearance very strictly.→ They rigorously screen job seekers for permission to access sensitive information.
5. I’m taking my dog to the vet this afternoon.→ I’m bringing my pet to the animal doctor later today.
6. The panel thoroughly vetted the proposal before approval.→ The committee carefully examined the plan in detail prior to acceptance.
7. Journalists must vet their sources carefully.→ Reporters need to rigorously check the reliability of their information providers.
8. The vet said the cat needs a special diet.→ The animal doctor recommended a particular food plan for the feline.
9. All guests were vetted for the private event.→ Every attendee underwent security screening for the exclusive gathering.
10. She carefully vetted the hotel reviews before booking.→ She thoroughly examined guest feedback prior to making the reservation.

5. Personal Examples

1. Teachers should vet online resources before sharing them with students.→ Educators need to carefully check digital materials prior to distributing them to pupils.
2. When learning English, I always vet new vocabulary in context before using it.→ While improving language skills, I thoroughly verify new words within sentences before employing them.

6. Register: Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

• “Vet” as verb is very common in professional and media contexts — “the story needs vetting” sounds natural
• The noun “vet” for veterinarian is extremely common in British English — Americans often say “vet” too but also “veterinarian”
• Prefix use in titles is always formal — “vice president” on news
• “My vice” (bad habit) is casual and often humorous

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Check / screen → more neutral alternatives for the vetting process
• Examine / scrutinize → stronger, more formal synonyms for thorough checking
• Deputy → direct alternative for vice- titles (deputy president)