peruse - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
peruse Word Meanings
- to read something carefully and in detail
- to examine or consider something thoughtfully
- to read casually or skim through
peruse Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
peruse Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pəˈruːz/
US
/pəˈruz/
peruse Word Etymology
per- (through) + use (to utilize); meaning 'to use thoroughly' came through Latin to Old French and then to English. Imagine a scholar carefully going through a stack of books, pausing to absorb every detail.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Peruse means to read something carefully and in detail, often with the goal of understanding fully or evaluating evidence. It can also mean to examine or consider something thoughtfully, weighing options or implications before deciding. Some people misuse it to mean simply skim or browse, especially in casual speech, but that reading implies depth and method rather than speed. When you peruse a contract, a report, or a scholarly article, you pause to notice details, terminology, and how arguments are built. The word carries a sense of thorough, attentive reading, contrasting with quick, superficial glances. Knowing this helps you choose peruse when you want to emphasize diligence and critical engagement.
Usage Reminders
- Peruse usually means thorough reading, not quick skimming.
- Use it for texts you intend to understand in depth (contracts, reports, academic articles).
- If you mean skim, choose browse or skim instead.
- In formal writing, peruse signals deliberation and care.
- Pair peruse with notes or questions to show deeper engagement.
Common Misconceptions
- It means skim quickly.
- It can replace 'read' in all contexts.
- It's informal and casual.
- It only applies to physical books.
- It means to use something.
Thinking Differences
In English, peruse carries a nuance of methodical, attentive reading that isn’t always present in casual equivalents like read. Learners may overextend it to mean simply skim, or misuse it with people as the object. Think of it as a deliberate investigative act with text.
Learning Tips
- Read three sentences slowly to identify key terms and their connections.
- Compare peruse with browse and skim using example texts.
- Keep a notepad for questions that arise while perusing a document.
- Practice with different genres (contract, article, menu) to see variance.
- Highlight unfamiliar terms and look up definitions.
- Explain aloud what you understood to reinforce thoroughness.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'peruse'?
A.To skim through something quickly
B.To read something carefully
C.To avoid reading
D.To write a summary
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'peruse' in a sentence.
A.She perused through the room looking for her keys.
B.I will peruse the document during lunch.
C.He didn't peruse his homework at all.
D.They perused the festival quickly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'peruse'?
A.Read attentively
B.Scan
C.Ignore
D.Breeze
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'peruse'?
A.Neglect
B.Study
C.Analyze
D.Consider
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone would peruse something?
A.Skipping through playlists when choosing a song.
B.Looking at a menu in a restaurant for a long time.
C.Running through a shopping list without checking it.
D.Trying to remember where you placed your keys.
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