study

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstʌdi/

noun (plural studies)

  • 1 [mass noun] the 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) activity of this type as pursued by one person: 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)

[with object]
  • 1devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on (an academic subject), especially by means of books: students studying A-level drama
  • 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

Phrases

in a brown study

absorbed in one’s thoughts.
[apparently from brown in the sense 'gloomy']

Origin:

Middle English: shortening of Old French estudie (noun), estudier (verb), both based on Latin studium 'zeal, painstaking application'

Spelling rule

If a word ends in a consonant plus -y (as in defy), change the -y to an -i before adding any ending (unless the ending already begins with an -i): (studies, studying, studied).