research

[ ri-surch, ree-surch ]
See synonyms for: researchre-searchedre-searchesre-searching on Thesaurus.com

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.

  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.

Origin of research

1
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

synonym study For research

1. See investigation.

Other words for research

Other words from research

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

Words that may be confused with research

Other definitions for re-search (2 of 2)

re-search
[ ree-surch ]

verb (used with or without object)
  1. to search or search for again.

Origin of re-search

2
First recorded in 1740–50; re- + search

Words that may be confused with re-search

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

British Dictionary definitions for research

research

/ (rɪˈsɜːtʃ, ˈriːsɜːtʃ) /


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)

Origin of research

1
C16: from Old French recercher to seek, search again, from re- + cercher to search

Derived forms of research

  • researchable, adjective
  • researcher, 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