Research is a careful and detailed study to learn new things or solve problems.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Detailed study to find new information.
- Gathering facts to test ideas.
- Systematic investigation of a topic.
**Overview**
Research is the systematic process of investigating a topic to gain knowledge. It's like being a detective, looking for clues and putting them together to understand something better. This can range from simple observation to complex experiments.
**Usage Patterns**
As a noun, 'research' refers to the activity itself or the information discovered. You might 'do research' or 'conduct research'. The results of research are often called 'findings' or 'data'. It's commonly used with verbs like 'do', 'conduct', 'undertake', 'publish', and 'present'.
**Common Contexts**
You'll often hear about research in school, especially for projects and assignments. Scientists do research to make discoveries, doctors research new medicines, and historians research the past. Even in everyday life, you might do 'market research' before buying something or 'online research' to learn about a new hobby.
**Similar Words Comparison**
'Study' is very similar and can sometimes be used interchangeably, but 'research' often implies a more formal, systematic, and in-depth investigation, especially for discovering new information. 'Investigation' is also similar but can sometimes be more focused on solving a specific crime or mystery. 'Exploration' suggests venturing into the unknown, while 'research' is more structured.
Examples
I need to do some research for my school paper.
academicTôi cần làm một số nghiên cứu cho bài luận của mình ở trường.
The doctor is doing research on a new cure for the disease.
formalBác sĩ đang thực hiện nghiên cứu về một phương pháp chữa bệnh mới cho căn bệnh.
Let's do a quick online research about the best restaurants.
informalHãy cùng tìm kiếm nhanh trên mạng về những nhà hàng tốt nhất.
The company invested heavily in market research.
businessCông ty đã đầu tư mạnh vào nghiên cứu thị trường.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
do research
làm nghiên cứu
scientific research
nghiên cứu khoa học
conduct research
tiến hành nghiên cứu
Often Confused With
While 'study' can mean to learn about a subject, 'research' specifically implies a systematic investigation to discover new information or prove a theory. You can study a book, but you conduct research on a topic.
'Investigation' often focuses on finding facts about a specific event, like a crime. 'Research' is broader and aims to understand a subject, test hypotheses, or develop new knowledge, not necessarily tied to a single event.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Research is typically used in formal or academic contexts, but the phrase 'do research' is also common in everyday informal conversation. When referring to the activity, it's usually uncountable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'research' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a research'), which is incorrect. It is usually uncountable. Also, avoid using articles like 'a' or 'an' before it when referring to the general activity.
Tips
Be curious and ask questions
Curiosity is the engine of research. Always ask 'why' and 'how' to guide your investigation.
Check your sources carefully
Not all information is reliable. Make sure the sources you use for your research are trustworthy and accurate.
Research builds collective knowledge
The research done by individuals contributes to the shared understanding and progress of society over time.
Word Origin
The word 'research' comes from the Old French 'recerchier', meaning 'to seek out' or 'to search closely'. It combines 're-' (again, anew) with 'cerchier' (to search).
Cultural Context
In many cultures, research is highly valued as a means of progress, innovation, and understanding. Educational institutions and scientific communities are central to the practice and dissemination of research.
Memory Tip
Think of 'research' as 're-search' – searching again, or searching deeply, to find something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsThe main purpose of research is to discover new knowledge, understand existing information better, or solve problems. It helps us learn more about the world around us.
Research can range from simple to complex. While some research requires advanced skills and resources, basic research can be done by anyone curious about a topic.
Yes, research can be about any subject imaginable, from science and history to art, social issues, or even everyday practical questions.
Reading is often about absorbing existing information. Research involves actively seeking out information, analyzing it, and often adding to the existing body of knowledge.
Test Yourself
The students did extensive ______ for their history project.
The sentence talks about a project and needing information, which aligns with the meaning of 'research'.
Scientists conduct ______ to discover new medicines.
Scientists perform research to make discoveries, especially in fields like medicine.
about / you / need / information / the / research / to / find
This sentence correctly uses 'research' as a verb and follows standard English sentence structure.
Score: /3
Summary
Research is a careful and detailed study to learn new things or solve problems.
- Detailed study to find new information.
- Gathering facts to test ideas.
- Systematic investigation of a topic.
Be curious and ask questions
Curiosity is the engine of research. Always ask 'why' and 'how' to guide your investigation.
Check your sources carefully
Not all information is reliable. Make sure the sources you use for your research are trustworthy and accurate.
Research builds collective knowledge
The research done by individuals contributes to the shared understanding and progress of society over time.
Examples
4 of 4I need to do some research for my school paper.
Tôi cần làm một số nghiên cứu cho bài luận của mình ở trường.
The doctor is doing research on a new cure for the disease.
Bác sĩ đang thực hiện nghiên cứu về một phương pháp chữa bệnh mới cho căn bệnh.
Let's do a quick online research about the best restaurants.
Hãy cùng tìm kiếm nhanh trên mạng về những nhà hàng tốt nhất.
The company invested heavily in market research.
Công ty đã đầu tư mạnh vào nghiên cứu thị trường.
Quick Quiz
The scientist spent five years doing ________ on the new medicine.
Correct!
The correct answer is: research
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abcognful
C1An abcognful refers to the maximum amount of abstract cognitive data an individual can consciously process or hold in working memory at one time. It is a specialized term used in psychometric testing to quantify the upper limits of conceptual synthesis and mental agility.
ability
A1Ability is the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something. It describes what a person is capable of achieving through talent or training.
abspirary
C1Relating to a secondary or tangential objective that diverges from the primary focus of a study or operation. In testing contexts, it describes data or results that are incidental to the main hypothesis but nonetheless provide valuable context.
abstract
B2A brief summary of a research paper, thesis, or report that highlights the main points and findings. It is typically found at the beginning of a document to help readers quickly understand the core purpose and results.
abstruse
C1Describing something that is difficult to understand because it is intellectual, complex, or obscure. It is typically used for subjects, theories, or language that require significant effort or specialized knowledge to grasp.
academic
A2Relating to schools, colleges, and universities, or connected to studying and thinking rather than practical or technical skills. It is often used to describe subjects like history, math, and science that are studied in an educational setting.
accreditation
B2Accreditation is the formal recognition or official approval granted by an authorized body to an institution, organization, or program that meets specific standards of quality and competence. It serves as a guarantee to the public that the entity operates at a high level of professional or educational excellence.
acquire
A2To obtain or get something, such as a physical object, a skill, or knowledge, often through effort or purchase. It is frequently used to describe a gradual process of learning or a formal business transaction.
