study
gb/stˈʌdi/ us/stˈʌdi/
A1
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
the act of learning
When you spend time learning something, often from books or classes.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s study of [a subject]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'study' (noun) with 'studies' when referring to school subjects. 'My studies' means the general work you do at school or university; 'my study' usually refers to a specific learning activity or field.
Synonyms
learning (A more general term for gaining knowledge; not limited to formal contexts.)
|
research (Often used for more formal, systematic investigation, especially in academic contexts.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to give attention to learning or research.)
Collocations
field of study
|course of study
|study habits
|study skills
|study group
Themes
education
|learning
|research
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her study of biology took up most of her evenings.
- The report is based on a five-year study of climate change.
- Good study habits are important for success.
- He devoted himself to the study of ancient languages.
- The university offers a course of study in environmental science.
Learner examples
- I need to do more study before the test.
- Her study of English is improving quickly.
- We work together in a study group.
- This book is useful for my study.
- He has little time for study after work.
Verb
A1
action
2
to learn through effort
To spend time learning something, usually from books or teachers.
Usage pattern:
to study [a subject]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'study' with 'read' in some languages where 'read' can mean 'study'. In English, 'study' is about learning, and 'read' is about looking at written words.
Synonyms
learn (General term for gaining knowledge; 'study' often implies more formal or structured effort.)
|
review (In the context of preparing for an exam, 'review' means going over material already learned.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not pay attention to learning a subject.)
Collocations
study hard
|study abroad
|study law
|study medicine
|study for an exam
Themes
education
|learning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She studies French at university.
- I need to study for my math test.
- He studied law before becoming a judge.
- We are studying the causes of pollution in class.
- They studied abroad for two years.
Learner examples
- I study English every day.
- He studies history at school.
- We study together in the library.
- She studies hard for exams.
- They study science in the lab.
Noun
B1
entity
3
room for reading or work
A room in a house where you read, write, or work.
Common mistake:
Some learners may confuse 'study' (room) with 'studies' (schoolwork). Context usually makes the meaning clear.
Synonyms
office (A room used for work, but not necessarily for academic purposes.)
Antonyms
living room (A common space for relaxing rather than working.)
Collocations
quiet study
|private study
|small study
Themes
home
|furniture
|housing
|education
Examples
- He keeps all his books in the study.
- She works from her study at home.
- The study overlooks the garden.
- The desk in his study is covered with papers.
Learner examples
- I read in my study.
- Her study is full of books.
- He works in his study every day.
- The study is next to the kitchen.
Verb
B1
action
4
to examine closely
To look at something carefully to understand it better.
Usage pattern:
to study [something] carefully
Synonyms
examine (A general term for looking at something closely; 'study' may imply more sustained attention.)
|
analyze (Focuses on breaking something down into parts to understand it; often more technical.)
Antonyms
glance at (To look quickly without paying much attention.)
Collocations
study a map
|study the details
|study someone's face
Themes
observation
|analysis
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She studied his face for signs of emotion.
- He studied the map before setting off.
- The committee will study the proposal before making a decision.
Learner examples
- I study the photo carefully.
- She studies the plan before starting.
- They study the list of names.
Grammar
Dictionary form
study
IPA
GB/stˈʌdi/
US/stˈʌdi/
Syllables & stress
study (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (study)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: study
- Plural: studies, study
Verb
- Base: study
- 3rd Person Singular: studies
- Present Participle: studying
- Past: studied
Word family
Forms
studies
noun
studying
verb
studied
verb
Core family
student
noun A1
Advanced or less common
studious
adjective
studiously
adverb
Expressions
field of study
1/fˈild əv stˈʌdi/
fixed phrase
area of academic knowledge
A specific subject that someone studies at school or university.
Examples
- Biology is her main field of study.
- His field of study is computer science.
make a study of [something]
1/mˈeɪk ə stˈʌdi əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
research something systematically
To research something carefully and in detail.
Examples
- They made a study of local bird species.
- The team will make a study of customer habits.
hit the books
1/hˈɪt ðə bˈʊks/
idiom
informal
Study hard and seriously
To study with focus and energy.
Examples
- I have exams next week, so it's time to hit the books.
- I can't go out tonight—I need to hit the books for tomorrow's exam.
- She stayed home all weekend hitting the books.
- It's time to hit the books if you want to pass.
study abroad
1/stˈʌdi əbɹˈɔd/
fixed phrase
learn in another country
To go to another country to learn at a school or university.
Examples
- She plans to study abroad in France next year.
- She decided to study abroad for a semester in Spain.
- Many students choose to study abroad to experience different cultures.
- Many universities offer programs for students to study abroad.