study

noun (plural studies)

• 1 [mass noun] the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, especially by means of books:the study of English an application to continue full-time study
• (one's studies) the time devoted by a particular person to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, typically at school, college, or university:some students may not be able to resume their studies
• [count noun] 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:an undergraduate course in transport studies

• 2a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation:a study of a sample of 5,000 children [mass noun]:the study of global problems
• a portrayal in literature or another art form of an aspect of behaviour or character:a complex study of a gay teenager
• 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 endeavours:the acquisition of a fortune is the study of all
• [with adjective] theatrical slang a person who memorizes a role at a specified speed:I’m a quick study

• 3a room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work: the third bedroom was used as a study

• 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.

• 5a 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)

• 1devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books:I studied classics at college
• investigate and analyse (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:schoolchildren studying up on their forebears' games and chores
• (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 the government don’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