research
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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researchistnoun
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underresearchverb (used with object)
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researchernoun
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proresearchadjective
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researchableadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has researchedperfect 3rd person singular
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have researchedperfect
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am researchingprogressive 1st person singular
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are researchingprogressive
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is researchingprogressive 3rd person singular
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researchessingular 3rd person
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has been researchingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been researchingperfect progressive
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researchingparticiple
Past
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had researchedperfect
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was researchingprogressive singular
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researchedsimple
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had been researchingperfect progressive
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were researchingprogressive plural
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researchedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of research
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
Explanation
In their spare time, teenagers LOVE doing extra research, by investigating the facts of a certain subject and studying and recording what they learn. And if you believe that, you need to do more research on the habits of teenagers. Research comes from the Old French word recercher, meaning "seek out," or "search closely." When you do research, you are searching for knowledge and facts. Although you write plenty of research papers in college, on anything from the Industrial Revolution to the meaning behind a fur-lined teacup, the term is often used when talking about science, because scientists use step-by-step research to prove what is true, or not true, in their line of work.
Vocabulary lists containing research
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Journalism
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 9
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dr. Janelsins said future research should explore different durations and doses for both exercise programs and low-dose ibuprofen.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
Writing is just one of his many chosen mediums of storytelling; as one of the founders of Drag Story Hour, his resumé is a melding of fashion, fiction, oral histories, archival research and queer history.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Mandatory convertible preferred stock “is effectively yield-enhanced common stock,” says Michael Youngworth, head of global convertibles research at BofA Securities.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
Meanwhile, research by workforce management company UKG suggests the World Cup could cost UK employers around £681m in lost productivity.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Fact: According to my research, people have twenty-one expressions, all a smashed-up combination of six: sadness, happiness, fear, anger, disgust, and surprise.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
