research
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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researchsimple
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researchessimple
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have researchedperfect
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has researchedperfect
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am researchingprogressive
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are researchingprogressive
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is researchingprogressive
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have been researchingperfect progressive
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has been researchingperfect progressive
Past
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researchedsimple
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had researchedperfect
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was researchingprogressive
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were researchingprogressive
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had been researchingperfect progressive
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.
Research and consulting firm Wood Mackenzie has tracked a related challenge: data centers consuming electricity in unpredictable ways.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026
Mike Hickey, a media analyst at Benchmark Equity Research, noted that the new entry cost less to produce than previous movies in the series, making a softer opening less detrimental.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026
Car safety firm Thatcham Research said there was a "genuine and growing gap" between consumer expectation and the technical reality of so-called connected car features.
From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026
Western Digital declined 6.3%, Applied Materials fell 10%, and Lam Research dropped 9.7%.
From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026
When this report was published, it was the first time that a woman in our Flight Research Division received credit as an author of a research report.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
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.
