peruse
To peruse means to read or examine something in a very thorough, careful, or detailed way. It conjures the image of someone sitting down with a thick document or a collection of important papers, scrutinizing every line and comma to ensure they understand the full scope of the information. While people often use it mistakenly to mean "glance through" or "skim," in formal and standard English, it implies the opposite: intense concentration. You would typically use this word in professional settings, such as reviewing legal contracts, policy documents, or detailed reports.
In conversation
Reviewing a contract
I’ve attached the updated service agreement for you.
I’ve attached the updated service agreement for you.
Got it, I'll peruse the terms before our meeting at three.
Got it, I'll peruse the terms before our meeting at three.
Shows the word used in a professional, detail-oriented context.
Checking a store catalog
Are you just going to skim the catalog?
Are you just going to skim the catalog?
No, I'm going to peruse every page to find the best deal.
No, I'm going to peruse every page to find the best deal.
Highlights the contrast between skimming and perusing.
Examples
Please peruse the menu while you wait for your table.
Please peruse the menu while you wait for your table.
The lawyer spent the entire morning perusing the witness statements.
The lawyer spent the entire morning perusing the witness statements.
Scholars often peruse ancient manuscripts to uncover lost historical details.
Scholars often peruse ancient manuscripts to uncover lost historical details.
