study

study [stud′ē]

n.

pl. studies [ME studie < OFr estudie < L studium, zeal, study < studere, to busy oneself about, apply oneself to, study, orig., prob., to aim toward, strike at, akin to tundere, to strike, beat < IE * (s)teud- < base * (s)teu-, to beat > STOCK, STEEP¹]

1. the act or process of applying the mind so as to acquire knowledge or understanding, as by reading, investigating, etc.

2. careful attention to, and critical examination and investigation of, any subject, event, etc.

3.

a) a branch of learning or knowledge

b) any subject of study

4. [pl.] formal education; schooling

5. a product of studying; specif.,

a) an essay or thesis embodying the results of a particular investigation

b) a work of literature or art treating a subject in careful detail and typically done as an exercise in technique, experimentation, or exploration

c) a first sketch for a story, picture, etc.

d) ÉTUDE

6. an earnest effort or intention

7. a state of mental absorption; reverie

8. a room, as in a house, designed for study, writing, reading, etc.

9. a person with reference to the ability to memorize, comprehend, etc. [a quick study]

vt.

studied, studying

1. to apply one's mind to attentively; try to learn or understand by reading, thinking, etc. [to study history]

2.

a) to examine or investigate carefully [to study the problem of air pollution]

b) to look at carefully; scrutinize [to study a map]

c) to read (a book, lesson, etc.) so as to know and understand it

d) to concentrate on so as to memorize

3. to take a course in, as at a school or college

4. to give attention, thought, or consideration to [studying possible changes]

vi.

1. to study something

2. to be a student; take a regular course (at a school or college)

3. to make earnest efforts; try hard

4. to meditate; ponder

SYN.- CONSIDER

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☆ study up on

Informal to make a careful study of