Do you peruse?
Hi,
I know there is a debate going on among linguistics and non regarding this verb, which has underwent a shift of meaning over the last one hundred years and more, and that is exactly the reason why I open this thread, so:
if someone says to you "I just perused an article", what will you understand (of course assuming you can trust the educational level of the speaker), regardless of what dictionaries might tell:
1) they read the article thoroughly and deeply;
2) they just skimmed it over quickly
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 2
1
I would normally expect some kind of qualifier or additional info from the context to help me make a judgement - e.g. 'I haven't perused it at length', but I think in common parlance, one has the understanding of it being a good look through but not studying at depth. The other point that occurred to me is that it depends on who said it - it's not a word commonly used amongst my social group, so if said, it'd probably have a slightly ironic quality, but I have one or two senior work colleagues who may say it, and I would assume the dictionary definition if they said it.
0
I would assume they skimmed over it if that was said to me. I wouldn't assume they did it quickly, though. I'd only be assuming it was read in less time compared to someone who read it in detail.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
