study

I. noun (plural studies) Etymology: 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 Date: 14th century 1. a state of contemplation ; reverie 2. 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 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

> 5. 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 6. a person who learns or memorizes something (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 II. verb (studied; studying) Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. a. to engage in study b. 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

> Synonyms: see consider • studier noun