# study

/ˈstədi/ (US) · /stˈʌdi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/study
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to learn a subject

verb · CEFR A1

to spend time learning about a subject, usually by reading books or going to college.

For teachers: to apply the mind to the acquisition of knowledge in a particular field, often within a formal educational framework.

- She needs to study hard this weekend for her chemistry exam on Monday.
- He decided to study international law at a prestigious university in Europe to broaden his career prospects.

### 2. to look closely

verb · CEFR B1

to look at something very carefully to understand it better.

For teachers: to examine or observe something minutely and with close attention.

- The scientist studied the map for a long time before choosing a path.
- The detective studied the security footage, looking for any small detail that might identify the suspect.

### 3. the act of learning

noun · CEFR A2

the time and effort you spend learning something.

For teachers: the activity or process of learning about something through reading or research.

- After years of study, she finally became a qualified doctor.
- The scholarship was awarded to students who demonstrated a deep commitment to the study of ancient history.

### 4. a room

noun · CEFR A2

a quiet room in a house used for reading, writing, or working.

For teachers: a private room in a residential building designated for reading, writing, or professional work.

- My father is in his study writing some emails and cannot be disturbed.
- The walls of the study were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, creating a quiet sanctuary for the author to work.

### 5. research paper

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a formal piece of research or a report about a specific subject.

For teachers: a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation, often resulting in a published academic paper.

- A recent study shows that drinking coffee might be good for your heart.
- The university published a comprehensive study regarding the long-term effects of urban pollution on local wildlife populations.

### 6. artistic exercise

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a drawing or a piece of music made for practice.

For teachers: a drawing, painting, or musical composition produced as an exercise or in preparation for a larger work.

- The pianist practiced a difficult study to improve his finger speed.
- The artist's sketchbook was filled with anatomical studies of hands and feet, drawn in preparation for the final mural.

## Examples

- I need to finish my study before I go out.
- The professor spent most of the afternoon in his study preparing the lecture for the following morning.
- A detailed study of the local ecosystem revealed that several native plant species were at risk of extinction due to rising temperatures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.