study

1. 1

   To review materials already learned in order to make sure one does not forget them, usually in preparation for an examination.intransitiveliterarytransitive

   • Students are expected to start studying for final exams in March.
   • I need to study my biology notes.
2. 2

   To take a course or courses on a subject.literarytransitive

   • I study medicine at the university.
3. 3

   To acquire knowledge on a subject with the intention of applying it in practice.transitive

   • Biologists study living things.
   • In 2015, scientists found that 82 percent of glaciers studied in China had decreased in size.
4. 4

   To look at carefully and minutely.transitive

   • He studied the map in preparation for the hike.
5. 5

   To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.transitive

   • July 10, 1732, Jonathan Swift, letter to Mr. Gay and The Duchess of Queensberry I found a moral first, and studied for a fable.
6. 6

   To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.archaicintransitive

   • And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you […]

syn. con · elucubrate · research · revise · sot

1. 1

   Mental effort to acquire knowledge or learning.countableuncountable

   • The study of languages is fascinating.
2. 2

   The act of studying or examining; examination.countableuncountable

   • I made a careful study of his sister.
3. 3

   Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.countableuncountable

   • The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study.
   • The proper study of mankind is man.
4. 4

   A room in a house intended for reading and writing; traditionally the private room of the male head of household.countableuncountable

   • Father spends all his time in the study poring over manuscripts.
5. 5

   An artwork made in order to practise or demonstrate a subject or technique.countableuncountable

   • a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture
6. 6

   The human face, bearing an expression which the observer finds amusingly typical of a particular emotion or state of mind.countableuncountable

   • Geoffrey's face was a study.
   • Geoffrey's face was a study in amazement [or in bewilderment, irritation, distress etc.]
7. 7

   A piece for special practice; an etude.countableuncountable

8. 8

   An academic publication.countableliteraryuncountable

   • That new study on noncommutative symmetries looks promising.
9. 9

   One who commits a theatrical part to memory.countableuncountable

10. 10

    An endgame problem composed for artistic merit, where one side is to play for a win or for a draw.countableuncountable

syn. study · inquiry · investigation · exploration