Dictionary
stud•y
Pronunciation: (stud'ē), [key]
—n., pl. stud•ies,
—v., stud•ied, stud•y•ing.
—
n.
1. application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection:
long hours of study.
2. the cultivation of a particular branch of learning, science, or art:
the study of law.
3. Often,
studies. a personal effort to gain knowledge:
to pursue one's studies.
4. something studied or to be studied:
Balzac's study was human nature.
5. research or a detailed examination and analysis of a subject, phenomenon, etc.:
She made a study of the transistor market for her firm.
6. a written account of such research, examination, or analysis:
He published a study of Milton's poetry.
7. a well-defined, organized branch of learning or knowledge.
8. zealous endeavor or assiduous effort.
9. the object of such endeavor or effort.
10. deep thought, reverie, or a state of abstraction:
He was lost in study and did not hear us come in.
11. a room, in a house or other building, set apart for private study, reading, writing, or the like.
12. Also called
étude. Music.a composition that combines exercise in technique with a greater or lesser amount of artistic value.
13. Literature.
a. a literary composition executed for exercise or as an experiment in a particular method of treatment.
b. such a composition dealing in detail with a particular subject, as a single main character.
14. Art.something produced as an educational exercise, as a memorandum or record of observations or effects, or as a guide for a finished production:
She made a quick pencil sketch of his hands as a study for the full portrait in oils.
15. a person, as an actor, considered in terms of his or her quickness or slowness in memorizing lines:
a quick study.
—
v.i.
1. to apply oneself to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or practice.
2. to apply oneself; endeavor.
3. to think deeply, reflect, or consider.
4. to take a course of study, as at a college.
—
v.t.
1. to apply oneself to acquiring a knowledge of (a subject).
2. to examine or investigate carefully and in detail:
to study the political situation.
3. to observe attentively; scrutinize:
to study a person's face.
4. to read carefully or intently:
to study a book.
5. to endeavor to learn or memorize, as a part in a play.
6. to consider, as something to be achieved or devised.
7. to think out, as the result of careful consideration or devising.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
