I. ˈstə-dē noun
( plural stud·ies )
Etymology: Middle English studie, from Anglo-French estudie, from Latin studium, from studēre 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
II. verb
( stud·ied ; study·ing )
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to engage in study
b. : to undertake formal study of a subject
2. dialect : meditate , reflect
3. : endeavor , try
transitive verb
1. : to read in detail especially with the intention of learning
2. : to engage in the study of
study biology
3. : plot , design
4. : to consider attentively or in detail
study ing his face for a reaction
Synonyms: see consider
• studi·er ˈstə-dē-ər noun