What is study? Pronunciation and usage in English

study means . Learn how to pronounce and use study through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of study

studynoun/verb

/ˈstʌdi/
Definition & pronunciation of study

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "study" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈstʌdi (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break it down further:

  • ˈst - This part sounds like "st" in "stop" or "street." It's a short, quick sound.
  • ʌ - This is a very important sound! It's a short, flat "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about" or "up." You want to hold this sound for slightly longer than a normal "uh."
  • d - This is a regular "d" sound, as in “dog.”
  • i - This is a short "i" sound, as in "sit" or "bit."

Putting it together: ˈstʌdi (think: "stuh-dee")

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "stoo-dy." That's a common mistake!
  • Focus on the short, flat "uh" sound in the first syllable. This is what distinguishes it from other words like "stood" or "stubby."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some helpful resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce study" on Google and you'll find audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%9C%C3%9Study/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Many videos demonstrate pronunciation. Search for "how to pronounce study" on YouTube.

Do you want to try saying it out loud, and I can give you feedback?

Usage and examples with the word study in English

Let's break down how to use the word "study" in English. It's a very versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - To Investigate)

  • General Meaning: To devote time and attention to learning or investigating something. This is the most common use.

    • "I study history at university." (I'm a history student.)
    • "She's studying for her exams." (She's preparing to take tests.)
    • "He studied the map carefully before starting the hike." (He looked at the map to plan his route.)
    • "Scientists study the effects of climate change." (Researchers investigate climate change.)

  • Focusing on a Specific Subject:

    • "I'm studying French." (I'm learning French.)
    • "He studies law." (He's a law student.)

  • To Analyze/Examine:

    • "The detective studied the crime scene." (He carefully examined the scene for clues.)
    • "Researchers studied the data to find patterns." (They analyzed the data.)

2. As a Noun (Object - A Place of Learning)

  • School or College: A room or building where learning happens.

    • "The library is a great place to study." (It's a good place to do homework.)
    • "He has a study in his bedroom." (A dedicated workspace.)

  • A Specific Area of Knowledge: It can also refer to a field of investigation or a subject of learning.

    • "Archaeology is a fascinating study." (Archaeology is a subject of research.)
    • "Her thesis is a study of Shakespeare's sonnets." (Her thesis focuses on Shakespeare's sonnets.)

3. As an Adjective (Describing a Habit)

  • Diligent/Careful: Describing someone who is hardworking and pays close attention to their work.
    • "She's a very studious student." (She's a hardworking and attentive student.)
    • "He has a studious manner." (He’s quiet, focused, and takes things seriously.)

Key Phrases & Common Uses:

  • Study for: Preparing for an exam, interview, or performance. “I'm studying for my driving test.”
  • Study into: Investigating something in detail. “She studied into the causes of the recession.”
  • Study something closely: Examine it carefully. “He studied the painting closely for details.”
  • A study of...: A research paper or investigation on… “A study of the effects of sleep on memory.”

Tips for Using "Study" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “study” depends entirely on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Think about the action: Are you talking about doing something to learn, or a place for learning?

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "study"? (e.g., write an essay, have a conversation, understand a textbook?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're unsure about?

Synonyms for the word study

Idioms of the word study

in a brown study
(old-fashioned, British English)thinking deeply so that you do not notice what is happening around you

    Practice with vocabulary study

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. She needs to ____ for her final exams if she hopes to achieve a passing grade.
    2. The consulting firm will ____ the financial viability of the proposed merger before advising the client.
    3. The researchers will ____ the new compound's efficacy in clinical trials next month.
    4. To improve your public speaking, you should ____ regularly in front of a mirror or a small group.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Before the crucial presentation, Sarah decided to ____ all the recent market reports and competitor analyses. (Select all that apply) A) dismiss B) ignore C) study D) glance over E) scrutinize

    2. A primary goal of academic institutions is to encourage students to ____ various disciplines and develop critical thinking. (Select all that apply) A) study B) pursue C) explore D) avoid E) neglect

    3. The detectives were assigned to ____ the mysterious disappearance of the ancient artifact. (Select all that apply) A) study B) research C) investigate D) observe E) examine

    4. To effectively communicate in a foreign country, one must ____ the local language and customs. (Select all that apply) A) learn B) master C) neglect D) disregard E) grasp

    5. When preparing for a medical licensing exam, it is essential to ____ anatomy and physiology thoroughly. (Select all that apply) A) skim B) study C) comprehend D) review E) analyze

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: Scientists are currently examining the long-term effects of screen time on children's brain development. Rewrite: (Use "study")
    2. Original: Her dedication to learning about ancient cultures was truly impressive. Rewrite: (Use a form of "study")
    3. Original: To fully understand the market dynamics, you need to look into all available data thoroughly. Rewrite: (Do not use "study")

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. study
    2. study
    3. investigate
    4. practice

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. C) study, E) scrutinize
    2. A) study, B) pursue, C) explore
    3. B) research, C) investigate, E) examine
    4. A) learn, B) master, E) grasp
    5. B) study, C) comprehend, D) review, E) analyze

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Scientists are currently studying the long-term effects of screen time on children's brain development.
    2. Her dedication to the study of ancient cultures was truly impressive.
    3. To fully understand the market dynamics, you need to analyze all available data thoroughly.

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