Perused

To examine or read something carefully and thoroughly, typically a written document or text, in order to understand or to gather information. The act of perusing suggests a deliberate and attentive approach, not a superficial or hasty glance. It often implies a degree of analysis and consideration of the content. It’s an activity often associated with legal documents, scholarly articles, and important correspondence, implying a desire to glean the full import of the text, and extract any meaning that can be gathered from it, and that is not immediately obvious. It involves paying attention to detail, and often making mental notes of key points or areas. The goal of perusing is to reach a solid understanding of the substance of the material.

Perused meaning with examples

• Before signing the contract, the lawyer took time to peruse every clause, paying particular attention to the sections outlining financial liabilities and termination conditions, ensuring all terms aligned with their client's interests. This careful perusal protected the client’s best interests and mitigated any potential problems.
• The detective meticulously perused the crime scene photographs, scrutinizing them for clues that might have been missed during the initial investigation. Their intent was to fully grasp the timeline of events and to discern any hidden details that could resolve the murder, which resulted in new information.
• The student perused the professor’s lecture notes, highlighting key concepts and making annotations in the margins, as part of preparing for the final exam, making sure that they understood the subject matter. Their careful review was crucial for them to successfully pass their examination.
• During the job interview, the hiring manager perused the applicant's resume, evaluating their work experience and educational background, searching for indicators of relevant skills. By taking time to study the information on the resume, they could more fully determine their suitability for the position.
• The librarian took her time to peruse through the library's catalogue in an effort to find specific titles that suited her customers. She read the summaries and checked the available copies as she strove to satisfy the needs of the patrons, thereby enabling them to find the specific things they were looking for.