research

[ri-surch, ree-surch]

noun

diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.: recent research in medicine.

a particular instance or piece of research.

verb (used without object)

to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)

to make an extensive investigation into: to research a matter thoroughly.

Origin of research

1570–80; (v.) < Middle French recercher to seek, Old French, equivalent to re- re- + cercher to search; (noun) < Middle French recerche

Related formsre·search·a·ble, adjectivere·search·er, re·search·ist, nounpro·re·search, adjectiveun·der·re·search, verb (used with object)

Can be confusedre-search research

Synonyms for research

1. scrutiny, study. See investigation. 4. study, inquire, examine, scrutinize.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for researchable

research

noun

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

verb

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

Derived Formsresearchable, adjectiveresearcher, noun

Word Origin for research

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for researchable

research

1570s, "act of searching closely," from Middle French recerche (1530s, Modern French recherche), back-formation from Old French recercher (see research (v.)). Meaning "scientific inquiry" is first attested 1630s. Phrase research and development is recorded from 1923.

research

1590s, from Middle French recercher, from Old French recercher "seek out, search closely," from re-, intensive prefix (see re-), + cercher "to seek for" (see search (v.)). Related: Researched; researching.