n.
Pronunciation: ' st ə -d ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural stud · ies
Etymology: Middle English studie, from Anglo-French estudie, from Latin studium, from stud ē re to devote oneself, study; probably akin to Latin tundere to beat ― more at CONTUSION
Date: 14th century
1 : a state of contemplation : REVERIE
2 a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study > b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin> c : careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study > d (1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2) : the published report of such a study
3 : a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits
4 : PURPOSE , INTENT <it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses ― Jane Austen>
5 a : a branch or department of learning : SUBJECT ― often used in plural <American studies > b : the activity or work of a student <returning to her studies after vacation> c : an object of study or deliberation <every gesture a careful study ― Marcia Davenport> d : something attracting close attention or examination
6 : a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) ― usually used with a qualifying adjective <he's a quick study >
7 : a literary or artistic production intended as a preliminary outline, an experimental interpretation, or an exploratory analysis of specific features or characteristics
8 : a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique