Translate study | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of study
noun (plural studies)
1the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books:the study of English an application to continue full-time study (
studies)
study as pursued by one person:some students may not be able to resume their studies an academic book or article on a particular topic:a study of Jane Austen’s novels (
studies)
used in the title of an academic subject:a major in East Asian studies
2a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation:a study of a sample of 5,000 children the study of global problems a portrayal in literature or another art form of an aspect of behavior or character:a study of a man devoured by awareness of his own mediocrity archaic a thing that is or deserves to be investigated; the subject of an individual’s study:I have made it my study to examine the nature and character of the Indians archaic the object or aim of someone’s endeavors:the acquisition of a fortune is the study of all [with adjective] a person who learns a skill or acquires knowledge at a specified speed:I’m a quick study[originally theatrical slang, referring to an actor who memorizes a role]
3a room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work.
4a piece of work, especially a drawing, done for practice or as an experiment. a musical composition designed to develop a player’s technical skill.
5 (
a study in)
a thing or person that is an embodiment or good example of something:he perched on the edge of the bed, a study in confusion and misery informal an amusing or remarkable thing or person:Ira’s face was a study as he approached the car
verb (studies, studying, studied)
[with object] 1devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on (an academic subject), especially by means of books:she studied biology and botany investigate and analyze (a subject or situation) in detail:he has been studying mink for many years [no object] apply oneself to study:he spent his time listening to the radio rather than studying [no object] acquire academic knowledge at an educational establishment:he studied at the Kensington School of Art [no object] (
study up)
US learn intensively about something, especially in preparation for a test of knowledge:a graduate student studies up for her doctoral exams (of an actor) try to learn (the words of one’s role). West Indian give serious thought or consideration to:the people here don’t make so much noise, so you will find that the government doesn’t have us to study
2look at closely in order to observe or read:she bent her head to study the plans
3 archaic make an effort to achieve (a result) or take into account (a person or their wishes):with no husband to study, housekeeping is mere play
