How to Use "Peruse" in a Sentence

"Peruse" is one of the most frequently misused words in English. Many people use it to mean "skim" or "glance at," but its traditional meaning is the opposite: to read or examine something carefully and in detail. That said, the casual meaning has become so widespread that some dictionaries now list both definitions.

Understanding which meaning fits your context will help you use "peruse" with confidence.

What Does "Peruse" Mean?

The traditional definition of "peruse" is to read or study something thoroughly. Think of it as the kind of attention you'd give a legal contract before signing. However, in everyday speech and informal writing, many people use "peruse" to mean browsing or looking through something casually.

Because of this split, your audience matters. In academic or formal writing, stick with the careful-reading definition. In casual contexts, either meaning is generally understood.

Example Sentences Using "Peruse"

Here are several ways to use "peruse" in a sentence:

She perused the contract for over an hour before agreeing to the terms.
Take a moment to peruse the menu — there are some unusual dishes worth noticing.
The detective perused the evidence files, searching for inconsistencies.
He spent the afternoon perusing old family photographs in the attic.
Before the exam, students perused their notes one final time.
The editor perused the manuscript and flagged several sections for revision.
I like to peruse bookstores on rainy weekends, pulling titles off the shelf at random.
The committee perused the proposal and raised questions about the budget section.

Tips for Using "Peruse" Correctly

Know your audience. If you're writing a formal report or academic paper, use "peruse" to mean careful examination. In a blog post or casual email, the lighter meaning is usually fine.

Don't use it as a fancy synonym for "read." If you just mean someone read something, say "read." Use "peruse" when you want to emphasize thoroughness or deliberate attention.

Watch for redundancy. Saying "carefully peruse" is redundant under the traditional definition, since careful reading is already built into the word.

Words Related to "Peruse"

If "peruse" doesn't feel like the right fit, consider these alternatives:

Examine — to look at something closely
Scrutinize — to inspect in fine detail
Browse — to look through something casually
Skim — to read quickly for main ideas
Study — to spend time learning or analyzing

Quick Usage Summary

"Peruse" works best when you want a single word that conveys focused, deliberate reading. It adds a layer of specificity that "read" alone doesn't carry. Just be aware that your reader may interpret it either way, so let your surrounding context make your meaning clear.

Whether you're perusing a restaurant menu or perusing a legal brief, the word fits — as long as you know which version of "peruse" you're going for.

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