research

[ ri-surch, ree-surch ]

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.

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

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ; rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

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)

Derived Forms

• reˈsearcher, noun
• reˈsearchable, adjective

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of research¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of research¹

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

Synonym Study

See investigation.

Example Sentences

It “may very well be” that this pearled shape is the normal state of axons, he says, but more research is needed to come to a definitive answer.

From Science Magazine

To help the sanctuary, he is urging people to consider rescuing a goat, but only if they do their research and are prepared to commit.

From BBC

Oslo said it did not want to rely on China for such materials, stressing it would only begin issuing licences once more environmental research was carried out.

From BBC

The specific milieu or situation or circumstances of the characters, you obviously have to consider and pay attention to and do research where you need to.

From Salon

The research team pointed out that these differences stem from the way in which each model treats the flow of meltwater.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• analysis
• exploration
• inquiry
• investigation
• probe