peruse

IPA/pəˈruːz/
KK[pɚˈuz]IPA/pəˈruːz/

peruse — verb

  • perusepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • peruseshe / she / it
  • perusedpast simple
  • perusing-ing form

1. to read through a document, list, or publication while searching for something s

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to read through a document, list, or publication while searching for something specific

例句

Greta perused the catalogue, looking for a gift for her niece.

peruse + noun + looking for + specific item

Faisal perused the menu for something his children would eat.

同義詞
  • browse

    more casual and less purposeful than peruse

  • scan

    even faster; implies barely pausing on each section

  • skim

    reading only the surface, often missing details

  • look through

    informal equivalent; everyday speech

文法句型

peruse + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (READ CAREFULLY): this sense is about moving through a text quickly with a goal, not absorbing every detail.

常見錯誤

She perused a career in law.
She pursued a career in law.
💡'peruse' means to read or examine; 'pursue' means to follow or chase after a goal.

2. to read or study a text with close attention to every detail

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to read or study a text with close attention to every detail

例句

Anna perused the contract for an hour before signing her name.

peruse + direct object + for + time duration

Jiwoo perused the manuscript, marking every spelling error in red.

peruse + noun + present participle showing outcome

同義詞
  • examine

    wider in scope; not limited to reading

  • scrutinise

    more intense, often implies looking for faults

  • study

    more academic; implies learning the content, not just checking it

  • inspect

    formal and methodical; often used for official checks

反義詞
  • skim

    the opposite approach: reading quickly and superficially

文法句型

peruse + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

This is the traditional meaning. Subject is usually a person who needs to check accuracy or absorb content fully. Often used with a time expression or a measure of thoroughness.

常見錯誤

I perused the comic in five minutes and handed it back.
I flicked through the comic in five minutes and handed it back.
💡when used in the careful sense, 'peruse' implies slow, detailed attention; use 'flick through' or 'skim' for fast, light reading.