Research — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ri-ˈsərch/ re·search

Meaning & Definition of Research

Research (noun)

  1. studious inquiry or examination; especially, investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws —often used before another noun
  2. the collecting of information about a particular subject
  3. careful or diligent search

Research (verb)

  1. to study or investigate carefully
  2. to do research for
  3. to engage in research

Research (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

    "I'll have to do some research for this project"

    similar: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, study
    related: 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

Research (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to search through or into

    "researched the public record for more information about her great-grandparents"

    similar: delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), probe, check into, check up on
    related: inspect, sift, study, view, browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through), reinvestigate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Research

The most common words with a similar meaning to Research:

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, study, delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), check into, check up on

Related Words for Research

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, inspect

Word Forms of Research

Inflections: researched, researching, researches

Derived words: researchable (adjective), researcher (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Research

Middle French recerche, from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier, from re- + cerchier, sercher to search search

First known use: 1577

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Research

Words & Phrases Containing Research

research and development, research park, marketing research, market research, operations research, translational research

Frequently Asked Questions about Research

What does "Research" mean?

"Research" means studious inquiry or examination; especially, investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws —often used before another noun. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: studious inquiry or examination; especially, investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws —often used before another noun. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Research"?

Other words for "Research" include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry and inquisition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Research" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Research"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Research". Common alternatives include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation and probation.

How do you use "Research" in a sentence?

Examples of "Research" in a sentence: "I'll have to do some research for this project"; "researched the public record for more information about her great-grandparents".

Is "Research" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Research" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Research" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Research" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Research"?

"Research" is pronounced /ri-ˈsərch/ and divided into syllables as re·search.

What is the origin of the word "Research"?

"Research" comes from Middle French recerche, from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier, from re- + cerchier, sercher to search search. First known use: 1577.