n. | 1. | A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge. |
| 2. | Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation. |
| 3. | Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration. |
| 4. | A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work. |
| 5. | (Fine Arts) A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture. |
| 6. | (Mus.) A piece for special practice. See Etude. |
v. i. | 1. | To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder. |
| 2. | To apply the mind to books or learning. |
| 3. | To endeavor diligently; to be zealous. |
v. t. | 1. | To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages. |
| 2. | To consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature. |
| 3. | To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech. |
| 4. | To make an object of study; to aim at sedulously; to devote one's thoughts to; as, to study the welfare of others; to study variety in composition. |