Research

/rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/

nounmedium🔥Very CommonInvestigation
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

/rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/

nounneutralmedium
Investigation

Systematic investigation into a subject

The company invested heavily in research and development.

💡 Simply: Research is like being a detective! You're looking for clues and information to figure something out, like finding out why your plants are dying or what's the best flavor of ice cream.

👶 For kids: Finding out about something by looking for information.

More Examples

2

Her research on climate change was groundbreaking.

3

We need to conduct more market research before launching the product.

How It's Used

Academic

"Conducting original research is a core part of a PhD program."

Business

"Market research helps companies understand consumer behavior."

2

Investigate systematically to learn new facts.

/rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To investigate systematically

He is researching the effects of social media on teenagers.

💡 Simply: To research something is like becoming an expert on it! You're digging for information and learning all you can.

👶 For kids: To try to find out more about something by looking it up.

More Examples

2

The team researched all available data before making a decision.

3

I need to research different travel options for our trip.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists are researching new treatments for the disease."

History

"She researched her family history for her project."

Tip:Imagine you're using a magnifying glass to examine the details thoroughly.

Idioms & expressions

research and development (R&D)

The process of investigating and discovering new knowledge, products, or processes.

"The company invests heavily in research and development to stay competitive."

From Middle French *recercher* ("to seek, search closely"), from Old French *rechercher* ("to search again, investigate"), from *re-* ("again, anew") + *cercher* ("to search").

The word 'research' has been used since the 16th century, initially to mean a careful search or inquiry.

Memory tip

Think of it as 're-searching' – searching again and again to find the truth.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"to search again, investigate"

conduct researchcarry out researchmarket researchacademic researchscientific research

Common misspellings

reseachreasearchreaserch

Usage

35%Spoken
65%Written