research

American  

[ri-surch, ree-surch] / rɪˈsɜrtʃ, ˈri sɜrtʃ /

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.

   Synonyms:

   study, scrutiny

2. a particular instance or piece of research.

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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.

   Synonyms:

   scrutinize, examine, inquire, study

research British  

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ, rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

noun

1. systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject

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verb

1. to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc)

Related Words

See investigation.

Other Word Forms

• proresearch
  adjective
• researchable
  adjective
• researcher
  noun
• researchist
  noun
• underresearch
  verb (used with object)

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.

Example Sentences

Analysts had forecast a net profit of 334 million euros, a segment result of 677 million euros and a 17.7% segment-result margin, according to Vara Research.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

At the same time, UC is is strongly advocating for another, unrelated measure that would put a $23-billion bond on the fall ballot to launch a California Foundation for Science and Health Research.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World Health Organization's cancer agency, concluded the chemical was "probably carcinogenic to humans".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

A partnership with Apple would be a further vote of confidence in Intel’s artificial-intelligence position, Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

At NASA’s High-Speed Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base—the place where pilot Chuck Yeager first cracked through the sound barrier in 1947— engineer John Perry manned an X-15 simulator.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• analyze
• consult
• explore
• investigate
• probe
• scrutinize