researcher English · revision 15054

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1615}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɹɪˈsɜː.t͡ʃə/, /ˈɹiː.sɜː.t͡ʃə/ ''(UK)''; /ˈɹiˌsɝ.t͡ʃɚ/, /ɹiˈsɝ.t͡ʃɚ/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[research]] and [[-er]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ One who researches, an investigator or inquirer: 1615 in the OED, the 1610s in Etymonline, the early 17th century in the SOED.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A person devoted to scientific or literary research is from 1883,^(OED 1989) and a member of the Society for Psychical Research a psychical researcher from 1885.^(OED 1989) The SOED notes that a researcher now often gathers background information for a politician or broadcaster.^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1615 – an investigator.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1883 – a scientific or literary researcher.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1885 – psychical researcher.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A person who carries out [[research]]; an investigator.^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002)

+ # A person who gathers background information, as for a broadcaster or politician.^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[research]]

+ * [[search]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}