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Definition of peruse

peruse

/pəˈɹuːz/
pe · ruse
Adjective:perusable
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Past Simple:perused
•
Past Participle:perused
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Present Participle:perusing
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peruse Lexical Profile

peruse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To read or examine something carefully, thoroughly, and at length.

Example

"The attorney took several hours to peruse the contract before advising her client to sign it."

2

To browse, skim, or read through something in a casual, leisurely manner.

Example

"While waiting for her flight, she perused the magazines at the airport newsstand."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for peruse
Antonyms
View all antonyms for peruse

Word Nuance & Usage

"Peruse" is a famous contronym: in formal and traditional usage it means to read thoroughly and carefully, whereas in casual modern usage it often means the exact opposite—to skim or browse leisurely.

• Rhymes for peruse

• Nearby Words

perturbingly
peru
perusal
peruse
peruser
peruvian
peruvian daffodil

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Late Middle English from the prefix "per-" (thoroughly) and "use", originally meaning "to use up" or "to examine in detail" before shifting to the examination of written texts in the 16th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Peruse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/peruse
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