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

"The technical phrase that is used in research for this is known as 'emotional contagion', which basically says behaviours and attitudes and unity can spread and ripple through the team," he said.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The AI infrastructure cycle is increasingly dominant, with 80% of the growth concentrated in semiconductor exporters, particularly from South Korea, and to a lesser extent Taiwan, they say in a research note.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The state counterpart to the National Institutes of Health would fund grants and programs for research in biomedicine, climate, wildfire, and infectious disease, among other areas.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

So from here forward, when I turn to ChatGPT for advice, research, or just a dinner recipe that I can enjoy with my family, the requests will start with “Asking for a friend.”

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Jack Liu’s research helped inform a government intervention with the five thousand villagers living in the reserve areas in an attempt to find a win-win solution to this problem.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

Related Words

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