study

play

noun \ˈstə-dē\

Definition of study

plural

studies

1 : a state of contemplation : reverie
2a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge years of studyb : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject the study of Latinc : careful or extended consideration the proposal is under studyd (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
5a : a branch or department of learning : subject —often used in plural American studiesb : the activity or work of a student returning to her studies after vacationc : an object of study or deliberation every gesture a careful study — Marcia Davenportd : something attracting close attention or examination
6 : a person who learns or memorizes something (such 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

See study defined for English-language learners

See study defined for kids

Examples of study in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Education Terms

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

study

verb

Definition of study

studied

;

studying

intransitive verb
1a : to engage in studyb : to undertake formal study of a subject
2 dialect : meditate, reflect
3 : endeavor, try
transitive verb
1 : to read in detail especially with the intention of learning
2 : to engage in the study of study biology
3 : plot, design
4 : to consider attentively or in detail studying his face for a reaction

studier

play \ˈstə-dē-ər\ noun

See study defined for English-language learners

Examples of study in a Sentence

Did you study for the test?
She's studying to be a teacher.
I studied the request carefully.
She was studying his face for a reaction.
The proposal was studied in great detail.
The effects of the drug have never been thoroughly studied.

First Known Use of study

13th century

Synonym Discussion of study

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision. consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision. refused even to consider my proposal study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae. study the plan closely contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision. contemplate the consequences of refusing weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence. weigh the pros and cons of the case

STUDY Defined for English Language Learners

study

play

noun

Definition of study for English Language Learners

: the activity or process of learning about something by reading, memorizing facts, attending school, etc.
: an area of learning taught in a school
: something that a person studies or gives attention to

study

verb

Definition of study for English Language Learners

: to read, memorize facts, attend school, etc., in order to learn about a subject
: to give careful attention to (something)
: to conduct an organized experiment in order to learn more about (something)

STUDY Defined for Kids

study

play

verb \ˈstə-dē\

Definition of study for Students

studied

;

studying

1 : to make an effort to learn about something by reading, investigating, or memorizing
2 : to give close attention to I studied the X-rays as Dr. Cone pointed things out to me. — Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

study

play

noun

Definition of study for Students

plural

studies

1 : the act of making an effort to learn by reading, practicing, or memorizing
2 : a careful investigation or examination of something the study of a disease
3 : a room especially for study, reading, or writing