study
study
Pronunciation
study: /ˈstʌdi/
Syl. 1: stud-
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/ʌ/ - near-open near-front unrounded vowel (as in "strut")
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
Syl. 2: -y
/i/ - close front unrounded vowel (as in "fleece")
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: study
Plural: studies
Verb:
Base form: study
Third-person singular present: studies
Present participle: studying
Past tense: studied
Past participle: studied
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A dedicated and focused period of time spent acquiring knowledge or skill in a particular subject.
Synonyms: research, examination, learning, inquiry, investigation
Antonyms: idleness, diversion, neglect
A room in a house specifically designated for reading, writing, or academic work.
Synonyms: den, office, library, workshop
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a type of room; perhaps "living room" or "bedroom" could be considered if the context implies a contrast in purpose.)
A detailed report or analysis of a particular subject, often based on extensive research.
Synonyms: report, analysis, survey, paper, treatise
Antonyms: guess, speculation, assumption
Verb
To dedicate time and effort to learning about a subject, typically from books, lectures, or practical application.
Synonyms: learn, research, examine, investigate, read, master
Antonyms: ignore, neglect, disregard, skim (in the sense of not deeply engaging)
To observe or examine something closely and carefully in order to understand its nature or characteristics.
Synonyms: examine, observe, scrutinize, analyze, investigate, probe
Antonyms: overlook, glance, dismiss, ignore
Examples of Use
Books:
"His latest study focuses on the socio-economic impact of climate change on coastal communities." (From a hypothetical academic text)
"She spent hours in her study, surrounded by stacks of ancient maps and historical documents." (From a fictional novel)
Newspapers:
"A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates a rise in consumer confidence." (The Wall Street Journal)
"The local council has commissioned a feasibility study for the proposed new transport system." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"New research studies suggest a strong link between diet and mental well-being." (Scientific American online)
"We are currently studying the user feedback to improve the next version of our software." (TechCrunch)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The director's latest film is a fascinating character study of a reclusive artist." (Film review on Rotten Tomatoes)
"In this episode, we study the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies." (From a nature documentary on Netflix)
"He locked himself in his study to compose the score for the new video game." (Mentioned in an interview with a video game composer on YouTube)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to study for my exams all weekend if I want to pass." (Common student conversation)
"They conducted a detailed study of the building's structural integrity after the earthquake." (News report on a local broadcast, 2023)
"My favorite room in the house is the study; it's so peaceful for reading." (Everyday conversation)
"We're doing a case study on successful small businesses in the region." (Business meeting discussion)
10 Quotes Using Study
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates, often paraphrased as "The unstudyied life is not worth living," though the original Greek is closer to "unexamined.")
"Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly." (Plutarch, who often emphasized the importance of study and learning from all sources.)
"I study myself more than any other subject; this is my metaphysics, this is my physics." (Michel de Montaigne, Essays)
"By studying the past, we can learn how to live in the present and prepare for the future." (Often attributed to various historians and philosophers, reflecting a common sentiment.)
"The more I study science, the more I believe in God." (Albert Einstein, though the exact wording and context vary in different accounts of his statements.)
"He has no right to study who has no right to live." (Bertolt Brecht, The Measures Taken)
"We are all students of life; every day is a chance to study and grow." (A popular motivational quote, source often unattributed.)
"To study history is to study liberty." (Thomas Jefferson, reflecting his emphasis on historical understanding for civic engagement.)
"The true aim of every scholar is to study less of what is taught and more of what is unknown." (Attributed to Confucius, emphasizing intellectual curiosity.)
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Peter Drucker, a business theorist who often emphasized the importance of study and foresight in innovation.)
Etymology
The word "study" has a fascinating history, tracing its roots back to ancient Latin.
Think of "study" as coming from the Latin word "studere," which meant "to be diligent," "to apply oneself," or "to strive after." It was all about putting in effort and dedication. This Latin word then made its way into Old French as "estudier," meaning "to seek knowledge" or "to apply oneself."
The English word "study" itself emerged in two forms around the same time:
As a verb: Its earliest known use in English was in the Old English period (before 1150). Initially, it meant "to strive toward, devote oneself to, cultivate" things like virtue, wisdom, or art. By around 1300, it specifically came to mean "to apply oneself to acquiring knowledge" or "to pursue a formal course of study."
As a noun: The noun form "study" appeared slightly later, around 1300. Its first known meaning was "the pursuit of learning" or "the application of the mind to acquire knowledge." Soon after, it also developed the meaning of "a room set aside for reading and writing," which we still use today.
So, in essence, "study" has always been about putting in effort and focus, whether it's to gain knowledge, pursue a goal, or even to have a dedicated space for such activities.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Study
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "study":
Study up (on something): To prepare for something by reading or reviewing information.
A case study: An in-depth investigation of a particular example or instance.
The study of human nature: The ongoing observation and analysis of how people behave and think.
In a brown study: Deep in thought, often to the point of being unaware of one's surroundings.
To study the market: To analyze economic conditions and trends.
To study the runes: To carefully examine signs or indicators, often in an attempt to predict the future (less common, but evokes the idea of deep examination).
Deep in study: Engaged in intense intellectual work.
Hit the books: (Using a synonym for "study") To begin to study hard, often for an exam.
Pore over (something): (Using a synonym for "study") To read or look at something very carefully.
Learn the ropes: (Similar effect to "study" in gaining knowledge) To learn how to do a particular job or activity.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of study from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
