Peruse

mediumNeutral tone

puh-ROOZ

verb

Definition

To read or examine, typically with great care

Memory hook

PER-USE: PER (thoroughly) + USE your eyes -- read carefully from start to finish.

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Word roots

peruserto use up, examine(Latin)

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Examples

She perused the document carefully before making her decision.
He spent hours perusing old manuscripts in the library.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

She ______ the document carefully before making her decision.
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perused

Synonyms

examinestudyscrutinizeread carefully

Antonyms

skimglancescanbrowse

Categories

View all Reading words

GRE Tip

Peruse is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "examine" or "study" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "skim".

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