study

¹study

noun \ˈstə-dē\

plural stud·ies

Definition of STUDY

1

: a state of contemplation : reverie

2

a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study> b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin> c : careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study> d (1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2) : the published report of such a study

3

: a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits

4

: purpose, intent <it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses — Jane Austen>

5

a : a branch or department of learning : subject —often used in plural <American studies> b : the activity or work of a student <returning to her studies after vacation> c : an object of study or deliberation <every gesture a careful study — Marcia Davenport> d : something attracting close attention or examination

6

: a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) —usually used with a qualifying adjective <he's a quick study>

7

: a literary or artistic production intended as a preliminary outline, an experimental interpretation, or an exploratory analysis of specific features or characteristics

8

: a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique

Examples of STUDY

1. Becoming a doctor requires years of study.
2. You can improve your knowledge of the natural world by study and observation.
3. She will return to her studies after vacation.
4. He left the service to pursue his studies.
5. The agency conducted an environmental study.
6. He took part in a study of childhood obesity.
7. The study of the new drug will be published next year.

Origin of STUDY

Middle English studie, from Anglo-French estudie, from Latin studium, from studēre to devote oneself, study; probably akin to Latin tundere to beat — more at contusion

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STUDY

Synonyms: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, inquiry

Antonyms: short shrift

Related Words: quest; audit, check; checkup, diagnosis, inspection; hearing, interrogation, trial; feeler, query, question; poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey; challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz; rehearing, reinvestigation; self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

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Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

Rhymes with STUDY

bloody, buddy, cruddy, cuddy, duddie, muddy, ruddy