perusals
|per-u-sal|
🇺🇸
/pəˈruzəl/
🇬🇧
/pəˈruːzəl/
(perusal)
thorough examination
Etymology
'perusal' originates from English, specifically formed from the verb 'peruse' + the suffix '-al'. 'peruse' comes from Middle English 'perusen', where the prefix 'per-' meant 'thoroughly' and the root 'usen' (from Old English/Middle English) meant 'to use'.
'perusal' developed in early modern English as a noun derived from the verb 'peruse' (Middle English 'perusen'); the verb sense shifted over time from 'use thoroughly' to 'read thoroughly', and the noun 'perusal' came to denote the act or instance of reading/examining.
Initially related to the idea of 'using thoroughly' or 'making full use of' something; over time the sense narrowed and specialized to the current meaning of 'an act of reading or examining, especially carefully.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an act of reading or examining something, especially in a careful or thorough way.
Her perusals of the financial statements uncovered several discrepancies.
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Noun 2
instances of reading or looking through materials (can be neutral or casual, e.g., a quick look or skim).
Their perusals of the contracts were brief, more like skims than detailed studies.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 06:19