study

American  

[stuhd-ee] / ˈstʌd i /

noun

plural

studies

1. application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, such as by reading, investigation, or reflection.

   Long hours of study had made her an expert.

   Synonyms:

   consideration, thought, reading, research, inquiry

2. the cultivation of a particular branch of learning, science, or art.

   The study of law is challenging for many.

3. Often studies. a personal effort to gain knowledge.

   She made many sacrifices to pursue her studies.

4. something the mind is or will be applied to.

   Balzac's study was human nature.

5. research or a detailed examination and analysis of a subject, phenomenon, etc..

   She made a study of the transistor market for her firm.

6. a written account of detailed research, examination, or analysis.

   He published a study of Milton's poetry.

7. a well-defined, organized branch of learning or knowledge.

   Synonyms:

   area, field, subject

8. zealous endeavor or assiduous effort.

9. the object of endeavor or effort.

10. deep thought, reverie, or a state of abstraction.

    He was lost in study and did not hear us come in.

11. a room, in a house or other building, set apart for private intellectual effort, reading, writing, or the like.

    Synonyms:

    den, library

12. Also called étude.  Music. a composition that combines exercise in technique with a greater or lesser amount of artistic value.

13. Literature.

    1. a literary composition executed for exercise or as an experiment in a particular method of treatment.

    2. such a composition dealing in detail with a particular subject, as a single main character.

14. Art. something produced as an educational exercise, as a memorandum or record of observations or effects, or as a guide for a finished production.

    She made a quick pencil sketch of his hands as a study for the full portrait in oils.

15. a person, such as an actor, considered in terms of their quickness or slowness in memorizing lines.

    He's always been a quick study.

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verb (used without object)

studied, studying

1. to apply oneself to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or practice.

2. to apply oneself; endeavor.

3. to think deeply, reflect, or consider.

4. to take a course of learning, as at a college.

verb (used with object)

studied, studying

1. to apply oneself to acquiring a knowledge of (a subject).

2. to examine or investigate carefully and in detail.

   to study the political situation.

3. to observe attentively; scrutinize.

   to study a person's face.

4. to read carefully or intently.

   to study a book.

5. to endeavor to learn or memorize, as a part in a play.

6. to consider, as something to be achieved or devised.

7. to think out, as the result of careful consideration or devising.

study British  

/ ˈstʌdɪ /

verb

1. to apply the mind to the learning or understanding of (a subject), esp by reading

   to study languages

   to study all night

2. (tr) to investigate or examine, as by observation, research, etc

   to study the effects of heat on metal

3. (tr) to look at minutely; scrutinize

4. (tr) to give much careful or critical thought to

5. to take a course in (a subject), as at a college

6. (tr) to try to memorize

   to study a part for a play

7. (intr) to meditate or contemplate; reflect

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noun

1. 1. the act or process of studying

   2. ( as modifier )

      study group

2. a room used for studying, reading, writing, etc

3. (often plural) work relating to a particular discipline

   environmental studies

4. an investigation and analysis of a subject, situation, etc

   a study of transport provision in rural districts

5. a product of studying, such as a written paper or book

6. a drawing, sculpture, etc, executed for practice or in preparation for another work

7. a musical composition intended to develop one aspect of performing technique

   a study in spiccato bowing

8. theatre a person who memorizes a part in the manner specified

   a quick study

9. in a reverie or daydream

study Idioms  

1. see brown study.

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Related Words

Study, consider, reflect, weigh imply fixing the mind upon something, generally doing so with a view to some decision or action. Study implies an attempt to obtain a grasp of something by methodical or exhaustive thought: to study a problem. To consider is to fix the thought upon something and give it close attention before making a decision concerning it, or beginning an action connected with it: to consider ways and means. Reflect implies looking back quietly over past experience and giving it consideration: to reflect on similar cases in the past. Weigh implies a deliberate and judicial estimate, as by a balance: to weigh a decision.

Other Word Forms

• nonstudy noun
• outstudy verb (used with object)
• prestudy verb (used with object)
• restudy noun
• studiable adjective
• studier noun

Etymology

Origin of study

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun studi(e), from Old French estudie, from Latin studium, equivalent to stud(ēre) “to be busy with, devote oneself to, concentrate on” + -ium -ium; verb ultimately derivative of Latin noun

Explanation

It might seem as if you've gone catatonic, staring at a crack in the sidewalk for so long, but really you're observing it as closely as possible for your study of ant movement. Study has many different senses related to learning or concentrating. You might make a drawing of something you'll paint later — the drawing's a study. Your boss might ask you to do a study of your office's energy use. As a verb, study is for the work you do in the library, or for the act of really taking something in, the way you study your friend's face to see if she really forgot your birthday or if she's just joking.

Example Sentences

The study, released Tuesday by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, found that the state’s nutria populations share a close genetic match to nutria from Oregon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The study, published in the journal Science, says the intensity and duration of the violence may inform how early human conflict developed.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The FDA has maintained that the study design makes it difficult to determine how much RP1 contributes to patient outcomes.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

So suggests a new study, the results of which could have implications for workplaces off the links, as well, according to the researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Tess was heavier set, with broad shoulders and bright green eyes, where her cousin Eliana was taller by a good three inches, her face a study of angles that accentuated hazel eyes.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• application
• class
• consideration
• course
• debate
• examination
• exercise
• inquiry
• inspection
• investigation
• research
• review
• subject
• survey