Peruses

To examine or read something carefully or at length; to scrutinize. This often implies a detailed and thorough inspection, going beyond a casual glance. The act of perusing aims to extract meaning, understand nuances, and gather information, often with a specific purpose in mind. It can apply to a wide range of materials, from books and documents to objects and even people's expressions. The key element is the deliberate and focused nature of the reading or examination process.

Peruses meaning with examples

• Before signing the contract, the lawyer peruses every clause meticulously, ensuring his client fully understands the terms and conditions. He spends hours combing through the fine print, noting any potential pitfalls to safeguard his client's interests and to avoid future legal complications.
• The detective peruses the crime scene, carefully observing every detail – from the placement of objects to the smallest specks of dust – hoping to find a crucial piece of evidence. His experienced eyes searched for any subtle clues, like signs of a struggle, footprints or other abnormalities.
• The historian spent years **perusing** ancient manuscripts, hoping to unearth lost information about the civilization. After painstakingly comparing translated documents, she finally found supporting evidence of the city's advanced achievements.
• The art critic carefully peruses each painting, noting the artist's technique, color palette, and subject matter. His expertise and focus enable a deeper appreciation, as he analyzed the artist's intentional decisions and uncovered the subtle meanings that lay beneath the surface.
• The student peruses the textbook before the exam, annotating key concepts and summarizing complex theories. Studying with a keen eye to absorb the critical information can enhance retention and give the student a competitive edge over unprepared classmates.