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

For research, I joined the handbag forum on Reddit a few weeks ago.

From Salon

“Those are the kinds of statements that certainly attract investors, and they certainly get donations to get a research study done.”

From Salon

But there are concerns that tourism revenue could override the demands of scientific research.

From BBC

A Finnish study found that prolonged standing at work had a negative impact on the research participants’ 24-hour blood pressure.

From Science Daily

Importantly for the research team, the brain region that controls eye movement is structurally similar in fish and mammals.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• analysis
• exploration
• inquiry
• investigation
• probe