A2noun1K

Search

UK /["/sɜːtʃ/"]/US /["/sɜːrtʃ/"]/

Definition

an attempt to find somebody/something, especially by looking carefully for them/it

In simple words: To look for something or try to find it.

Examples

I made a search for information about the best pizza places in town.
The search turned up a lot of interesting results online.
During the search, we found some old photographs in the attic.
Make sure to use the right keywords for your search to get accurate results.
The police conducted a thorough search of the area after the incident.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in casual conversations when a simpler word like 'look for' can be used.

Grammar pattern

search + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'searchlight' that searches for things in the dark.

Collocations

exhaustive
extensive
painstaking
begin
initiate
launch
operation
area
party
in search of
search for
search and seizure
quick
simple
computer
conduct
do
perform
engine
box
features
search for

Synonyms

look for
seek
hunt
explore
probe

Antonyms

hide
ignore
neglect

Common mistakes

Confused with 'research' which implies a deeper investigation.
Using 'search' intransitively (without an object) incorrectly.