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

Perhaps, though, with dour scenarios already somewhat priced in, the greater market risk is the political outcome will not be as bad as feared, according to Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Gillian, Clive and their families are part of research into the condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital and Clive and his daughter Evans have signed up to have their brains and spinal cords donated for research.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

New research from the University of Oulu suggests that wide swings in bedtime may significantly raise the risk of serious cardiovascular events, especially for people who spend less than eight hours in bed.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

The economic impact was even clearer when we looked at how decades of NIH-funded diabetes research directly contributed to the commercially successful GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

She’d forced him into a six-month-long joint research effort that far exceeded the scope of the two-page paper the homework assignment had called for.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

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