research
HighFormal and Academic (noun and verb); also widely used in business and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A systematic investigation or study to establish facts, reach new conclusions, or revise existing theories.
The act of carefully searching for information on a specific topic; a diligent inquiry. Can also refer to the organized body of knowledge resulting from such study.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable noun when referring to the general activity or field ('do research', 'carry out research'). Can be countable ('several researches') but this is less common and often formal/archaic. As a verb, it can be transitive ('research a topic') or intransitive ('research into a topic').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the verb is often stressed on the second syllable (/rɪˈsɜːtʃ/), aligning with the noun stress pattern. In American English, verb stress is more commonly on the first syllable (/ˈriːsɜːrtʃ/), though both patterns exist. The noun is almost universally stressed on the second syllable in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger academic/research-institution association in British usage. In American usage, the term is widely applied in business contexts (e.g., 'market research').
Frequency
The word is extremely high-frequency in both varieties, central to academic and professional discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
research [noun/pronoun] (transitive)research into [noun phrase]research on [noun phrase]do/carry out/conduct research (on/into)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Research and development (R&D)”
- “A research rabbit hole (informal)”
- “Back to the drawing board (implies more research is needed)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to market research, consumer research, competitive analysis, and R&D for product development.
Academic
The core activity of producing new knowledge; includes primary/secondary research, qualitative/quantitative methods.
Everyday
Used more loosely for looking something up thoroughly online or in books ('I'll research the best holiday deals').
Technical
Specific methodologies (e.g., clinical research, action research, ethnographic research).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She researched the topic meticulously before writing the report.
- The team is researching into renewable energy sources.
American English
- He researched the company's history before his interview.
- We need to research this more thoroughly.
adverb
British English
- (Rare; usually 'research-wise') The project is progressing research-wise.
American English
- (Rare; usually phrased differently) The paper is research-heavy.
adjective
British English
- A research-based approach is essential.
- She works in a research-intensive environment.
American English
- He heads the research department.
- They presented their research findings at the conference.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We did some research for our school project.
- I will research my family history.
- The university is famous for its medical research.
- You should research the company before your job interview.
- Her groundbreaking research on climate change was published in a leading journal.
- The committee commissioned independent research into the effects of the policy.
- The methodology underpinning his doctoral research drew heavily on ethnographic principles.
- Critics argue that the research, while extensive, fails to adequately address the underlying socio-economic factors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-search. You are searching AGAIN, more deeply, to find new answers.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESEARCH IS A JOURNEY/EXPLORATION (embark on research, chart new territory, navigate the literature, a field of study).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'научная работа' as 'scientific research' for a single paper/thesis; 'research paper' or 'study' is often better. 'Research' is broader than 'исследование' and often implies a more systematic, sustained effort.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a plural noun incorrectly ('I did many researches' -> 'I did a lot of research'). Confusing stress patterns between noun and verb (especially in AmE). Overusing in contexts where 'look up' or 'check' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'research' CORRECTLY as an uncountable noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's rare and formal. It's used to mean 'instances of research' or 'bodies of research work,' often in legal or very academic contexts. For most purposes, use 'research' (uncountable) or rephrase.
Both 'research into' and 'research on' are acceptable ('research into cancer', 'research on AI'). 'Research' can also be used transitively with no preposition ('research a topic'). 'Research about' is less formal but common in speech.
It is primarily the past tense/past participle of the verb ('a well-researched book'). It can function attributively as a deverbal adjective meaning 'having been subjected to research' ('a researched opinion').
'Do research', 'conduct research', and 'carry out research' are the standard collocations. 'Make research' is incorrect in standard English.
Collections
Part of a collection
Education
A2 · 50 words · School, studying and learning vocabulary.
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.
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