research
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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underresearchverb (used with object)
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researchistnoun
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researchernoun
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researchableadjective
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proresearchadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have researchedperfect
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has researchedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been researchingperfect progressive
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am researchingprogressive 1st person singular
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are researchingprogressive
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has been researchingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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researchessingular 3rd person
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is researchingprogressive 3rd person singular
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researchingparticiple
Past
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had researchedperfect
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were researchingprogressive plural
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had been researchingperfect progressive
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was researchingprogressive singular
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researchedsimple
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researchedparticiple
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.
“What the research tells us is a little more nuanced. You really want flexibility. You want a hormonal system that can adapt to the different demands of your life.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
The upcoming SpaceX IPO is currently creating wobbles for other equities, Thomas Lee, managing partner and head of research at the New York-based boutique firm, wrote in a note on Tuesday.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
“We’re very much starting to see the U.S. manufacturing base accelerate and influence freight volumes,” said Daniel Moore, a senior research analyst at financial services firm Baird.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Morgan research report External link highlighted how hardware and software can be knitted together to constructing an electrical network that will meet future demands and reduce vulnerabilities.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
One of Oppenheimer’s bankers, who hoped to be hired by Aames, stomped around the research department looking for anyone who knew anything about the mortgage business.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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.
