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browsing

browsing

14 2.8
Looking through things like books or shops without a clear aim
  • noun
  • /ˈbraʊzɪŋ/
translation icon : ojeo
  • I knew that no amount of reading and web browsing would gain me admission to the universe.
  • web browsing
  • browsing and navigation
  • internet browsing

I am in e-mail, web browsing, researching, writing.

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Examples

  • Mobile technology is also rapidly developing to make web browsing convenient for smartphone users.

    Blog text (12)
  • The electronic teaching theater also opens up the possibility of individual browsing of the material during non-class periods.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Has your internet browsing helped you in your studies?

    Academic text (2008)
  • I was on Amazon and I was just browsing toys.

  • We suspect that browsing, rather than searching, appeals to many users who are looking for leisure reading materials.

    Academic text (2012)
  • I do most of my web browsing and Netflix viewing on my iPad.

    Blog text (11)
  • The most common activities associated with sequential usage include browsing, social networking, shopping, and searching.

    Blog text (12)
  • The four shelving units would be rearranged to frame a reading and browsing area between them.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The Internet is a set of technologies that support new practices, including browsing, searching, online shopping, social networking, blogging, and texting.

    Academic text (2012)
  • I spent the afternoon browsing through vintage shops in the city.

Synonyms

browse
vsbrowsing
1 4.1

A quick, casual look through books, magazines, or websites

is broader, used for casually checking goods or texts without aim
skimming
vsbrowsing
1 2.9

Read through writing quickly to get the main idea

is more aimless and casual rather than seeking a general idea
looking
vsbrowsing
1 1.0

The act of using your eyes to check something carefully

is specifically about casually checking texts or goods without a clear aim

Antonyms

5.5

Very careful and deep, trying to find hidden problems

How Thorough

analyzation
  • US
5.0
studying
1 1.0
reading
228 1.0
browsing
14 2.8
skimming
1 2.9

Surface Forms

browsing singular
browsings plural

Morphology

browsing = browse (transparent) = browse + ing

Standard gerund/nominalization from 'browse' meaning 'to look through', so the noun 'browsing' meaning casual looking is directly derived.

Etymology

Browsing also comes from the same verb browse, which meant 'to nibble'. A helpful way to remember the meaning 'looking casually' is to imagine 'nibbling' with your eyes as you move from one book or item to another without a clear plan.