This week we continue our vocabulary-building series, “The Closing Word.” Each week we provide a new word to help build your vocabulary and show you how to specifically implement it in business. A well-spoken, intelligent agent inspires confidence with clients and colleagues alike.
This week’s closing word:
Pronounced: (puh-ROOZ)
Peruse is a funny word. In casual conversation, it’s come to mean the exact opposite of its traditional definition. Used correctly, peruse means to examine something thoroughly and carefully.
Language is a growing, changing thing, however. If you say, “Take a minute or two to peruse the book shelves,” most people will understand you mean to “scan” or “browse briefly.” Still, it’s useful to know the true definition, especially if you’re asking someone to pay close attention and carefully consider the contract or topic at hand.
Verb:
1. read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way
2. examine carefully or at length
Synonyms:
read, study, scrutinize, inspect, examine, wade through, look through;
Example:
“The buyer asked for the weekend to peruse the contract before making a decision.”
