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¹study

noun \ˈstə-dē\

: 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

plural stud·ies

Full Definition of STUDY

: a state of contemplation : reverie

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

: a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits

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

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

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

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

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

See study defined for English-language learners

See study defined for kids

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

Other Education Terms

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

Rhymes with STUDY

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

²study

verb

: 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)

stud·iedstudy·ing

Full Definition of STUDY

intransitive verb

a : to engage in study

b : to undertake formal study of a subject

dial : meditate, reflect

: endeavor, try

transitive verb

: to read in detail especially with the intention of learning

: to engage in the study of <study biology>

: plot, design

: to consider attentively or in detail <studying his face for a reaction>

— studi·er \ˈstə-dē-ər\ noun

See study defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of STUDY

14th century

Related to STUDY

Synonyms: bone (up), go over, go through

Antonyms: unlearn

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>.