research

[ ri-surch, ree-surch ]

noun

1. diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.:

   recent research in medicine.

   Synonyms: study, scrutiny

2. a particular instance or piece of research.

verb (used without object)

1. to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an extensive investigation into:

   to research a matter thoroughly.

   Synonyms: scrutinize, examine, inquire, study

research

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ; rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

noun

1. systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject

verb

1. to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈsearcher, noun
• reˈsearchable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·searcha·ble adjective
• re·searcher re·searchist noun
• prore·search adjective
• under·re·search verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of research¹

First recorded in 1570–80; (verb) from Middle French recercher “to seek,” Old French, equivalent to re- re- + cercher search; (noun) from Middle French recerche

Word History and Origins

Origin of research¹

C16: from Old French recercher to seek, search again, from re- + cercher to search

Synonym Study

See investigation.

Example Sentences

The government funded research that put shrimp on treadmills!

From Slate

How dare scientists do research without an immediate practical application!

From Slate

They also create an environment for surprising new discoveries, things scientists would never have dreamed of had they not been in the lab, conducting basic research.

From Slate

That kind of research can lead, down the line, to important medical interventions.

From Slate

They are showing that they have no real understanding of what research is or how it works.

From Slate

Related Words

• analysis
• exploration
• inquiry
• investigation
• probe