Dictionary.com

research

[ ri-surch, ree-surch ]
/ rɪˈsɜrtʃ, ˈri sɜrtʃ /
See synonyms for: research / re-searched / re-searches / re-searching on Thesaurus.com

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.

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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

synonym study for research

1. See investigation.

OTHER WORDS FROM research

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH research

re-search, research

Definition for research (2 of 2)

re-search
[ ree-surch ]
/ riˈsɜrtʃ /

verb (used with or without object)

to search or search for again.

Origin of re-search

First recorded in 1740–50; re- + search

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH re-search

re-search , research
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to research

probe, inquiry, investigation, exploration, analysis, scrutinize, investigate, explore, consult, analyze, inquisition, inquest, groundwork, scrutiny, quest, probing, experimentation, delving, inquire, experiment

British Dictionary definitions for research

research
/ (rɪˈsɜːtʃ, ˈriːsɜːtʃ) /

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 forms of research

researchable, 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