What does research mean?
Research is the careful, systematic study of a subject, question, or problem. As a noun, it refers both to the activity of investigating and to the body of knowledge or materials produced by that activity. As a verb, it means to investigate a topic thoroughly, often using reliable sources and established methods. The word commonly appears in academic, scientific, medical, and commercial contexts, including phrases such as “conduct research,” “market research,” and “research and development.” Although research can involve searching for information, it usually implies more than a quick enquiry: it suggests sustained investigation, analysis, and an effort to establish reliable findings. Research is also valued as a process rather than merely a result, since its credibility depends on suitable methods, evidence, transparency, and careful interpretation. Consequently, the word often carries a professional or scholarly connotation, though it can describe any serious attempt to learn more about a subject.
The systematic investigation of a subject or question, including the activity of gathering and analysing information.
"The research has transformed our understanding of the disease."
Usually uncountable; use a modifier when a countable form is needed, as in “a piece of research.”
To investigate a subject thoroughly or gather detailed information about it.
"The journalist researched the claim before publishing the article."
Often transitive, taking a topic or question as its object. It can also occur intransitively, especially in British usage: “They researched into the causes.”
The plural is uncommon and usually refers to separate investigations, findings, or bodies of work rather than to the activity as a mass noun.
"The archive contains several important researches on regional dialects."
Research literally means “searching again”: looking more carefully, questioning assumptions, and returning to a subject with new methods or evidence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does research come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through Anglo-Norman and Old French forms derived from Latin recercare. The Latin word combined re-, meaning “again,” with quaerere, “to seek,” giving it the sense of seeking or searching again. The related roots also produced cognates including inquire, acquire, require, and quest.
Related word forms
How research is actually used
In the noun sense, “research” is normally used as an uncountable mass noun. Countable uses generally take a modifier, as in “a piece of research” or “medical research.” As a verb, it takes a subject, topic, or question: “She researched the history of the manuscript.”
Easily confused with research
Research is a systematic form of investigation, whereas a resort is a place people visit for rest or recreation.