research
Americannoun
-
research
plural
verb (used without object)
-
researches,
present (3rd person singular)
-
researched,
past participle, past
-
researching
present participle
verb (used with object)
-
researches,
present (3rd person singular)
-
researched,
past participle, past
-
researching
present participle
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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researchernoun
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researchistnoun
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underresearchverb (used with object)
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proresearchadjective
-
researchableadjective
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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researchsimple
-
researchessimple
-
have researchedperfect
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has researchedperfect
-
am researchingprogressive
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are researchingprogressive
-
is researchingprogressive
-
have been researchingperfect progressive
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has been researchingperfect progressive
Past
-
researchedsimple
-
had researchedperfect
-
was researchingprogressive
-
were researchingprogressive
-
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.
See Examples For:
The group says pioneering treatments and tests "unimaginable just a decade ago" are now within reach, saying those living with dementia should be supported to take part in the research.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
Almost two thirds of British savers have been with their bank for more than a decade, new research from Hargreaves Lansdown suggests.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
“Investors should come at the information with the same skeptical eye,” said Gary Mottola, Finra’s director of research.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
But since the results differed by ethnicity, further research is needed in larger samples to replicate the differences, she said.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
“Based on my research so far, most reported sightings occur on dark, foggy nights.”
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Mia village emerged in 1966 after the first blind fortune-teller settled there, according to the Seongbuk Cultural Centre, which researches the district's history.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who researches homelessness and served as an L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
“The tenor of the conversation has changed,” said Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School who researches leadership and decision-making.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
Dr Carolina Bandinelli, an associate professor at the University of Warwick, who researches dating, relationships and communication agrees that the pandemic changed dating for Gen Z.
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
My researches do indeed involve the interpretation of robot behavior in the light of the Three Laws of Robotics.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
Shields had researched and found information online suggesting the nearby southern entrance was less crowded.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
As part of their studies, they researched other single-handed pianists - such as Nicholas McCarthy and Leon Fleisher - who had made successful careers.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
Meng Jiaxuan, 20, dolled up in her traditional outfit at Shichahai, said she had even researched poses for her photoshoot on Xiaohongshu.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
“I’ve not only researched the job search — I’ve lived through the job search.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 11, 2026
Jeffrey and I decided that making a trivia game about Ramadan was the perfect way for people to learn about our holiday and what we’d researched.
From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea
He said the chain spent two years researching what Americans looked for when they chose fast food, and how pizza could compete for more of those meals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
You report that the company has spent $250 million so far on researching hesperaloe and developing the tech to use it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
His firm spent 18 months researching the natural-gas landscape, concluding that a shortage is unavoidable by the second half of 2028.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
She is currently researching medical gaslighting and gathering evidence via a questionnaire.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
“Well, you’re the one who’s supposed to be researching magical methods of bugging!” said Harry.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
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.
