peruse

[ puh-rooz ]
See synonyms for peruse on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),pe·rused, pe·rus·ing.
  1. to read through with thoroughness or care: Make sure you peruse the document before signing.

  2. to scan or browse: Sometimes I peruse the magazines near the cash register while waiting to check out.Visitors will be able to peruse artworks by young people across the state.

  1. to read: If romantic plots interest you, consider perusing her latest novel.

  2. to survey or examine in detail: We had the opportunity to hear both sides and peruse the evidence.

Origin of peruse

1
First recorded in 1470–80 in the sense “use up, go through”; first recorded in 1525–35 for current senses; per- + use

Other words from peruse

  • pe·rus·a·ble, adjective
  • pe·rus·er, noun
  • pre·pe·ruse, verb (used with object), pre·pe·rused, pre·pe·rus·ing.
  • qua·si-pe·rus·a·ble, adjective
  • re·pe·ruse, verb (used with object), re·pe·rused, re·pe·rus·ing.
  • un·pe·rus·a·ble, adjective
  • un·pe·rused, adjective

Words that may be confused with peruse

Words Nearby peruse

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use peruse in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for peruse

peruse

/ (pəˈruːz) /


verb(tr)
  1. to read or examine with care; study

  2. to browse or read through in a leisurely way

Origin of peruse

1
C15 (meaning: to use up): from per- (intensive) + use

Derived forms of peruse

  • perusal, noun
  • peruser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012