do research
doo ree-SURCH
/duː rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/
To perform a systematic investigation into a subject to discover facts or reach new conclusions.
Emphasizes the process and the labor involved in the investigation.
The story behind the word. 'Research' comes from the French 'rechercher', which means to seek again and again. Because it is a repetitive, ongoing activity, we use 'do'—the verb for performance and labor—rather than 'make'.
Word relationships
- investigate: A more formal single verb for the same process.
- examine: Focuses on looking closely at specific details.
- guess: To form an opinion without research or evidence.
- ignore: To refuse to look into the facts.
Commonly confused with
- make a discovery: 'Do research' is the process; 'make a discovery' is the result.
Word family
- researcher (noun): A person who conducts research.
Collocations
- do extensive research
- do market research
- do scientific research
Idioms & expressions
- do one's homework
Example sentences
- "The scientists had to do research for three years before they found a cure." Scientific Inquiry
- "'If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?'" Academic Advice
Memory hook
You 'do' the 'do-ing' in the lab. Research is a 'do' because it is a long process.
When not to use
Never say 'make research', which is a common mistake.
Fun facts
- The word 'research' first appeared in English in the 1570s.
- In modern slang, 'doing your own research' often refers to looking things up on the internet.
Related words
Explore more words
investigative, inquiry, observation, endeavor, inspect, discovery
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