peruse

Peruse is a verb with two principal senses. In its traditional sense, to peruse means to read something carefully and thoroughly, with attention to detail and comprehension, such as a contract, a medical report, or a scholarly article. A second sense, more common in everyday language, is to read through something quickly or to browse, which may imply only a cursory inspection. This broader usage can cause ambiguity in formal writing where precise meaning is required and can lead to misinterpretation if the reader assumes the casual sense.

Originating in Middle English via Old French peruser, the verb ultimately traces to a root linked to going through. The sense of passing through a text underlies both the careful and the casual readings, but the latter relies on context to convey speed rather than depth.

Usage notes: In formal or legal writing, it is typically safest to use peruse to mean careful examination. If a quick skim is intended, alternatives such as skim, scan, or browse are clearer. The related noun is perusal, meaning a careful reading or survey of a text. Example: The attorney perused the contract for any hidden clauses (careful reading) while a memo may be perused in minutes (quick skim).