Definition
Browse primarily refers to the act of casually looking or perusing through goods or information, often without a specific intent.
Parts of Speech
Browse is commonly used as a verb. However, it can also be used as a noun, often in the context of available information or material for browsing.
Pronunciation
Etymology
The word "browse" originates from the late Middle English word 'brousen', which is of Germanic origin related to Dutch 'bruisen' (meaning to froth, ferment) and German 'brausen' (meaning to roar, foam, ferment). The original sense of the word was to eat the shoots and leaves of trees and shrubs, later (mid 17th century) developing the meaning of casual eating, and finally the modern sense of looking casually (mid 18th century).
Derivatives
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The word "browse" is commonly used in relation to looking through goods in a store, or more recently, through digital information or websites on the internet. For example:
"I like to browse through the book store on weekends."
"She spent the afternoon browsing online for a new dress."
In computing, a 'web browser' is a software application used to locate, retrieve, and display content on the World Wide Web.
Related Terms
Detailed Definition
Browse (verb): To look at goods or information, typically in a casual or leisurely way.
"She was browsing through fashion magazines to find the latest trends."
Browse (noun): Material, such as twigs, leaves, or shoots, that is suitable for animals to eat, or a casual glance or examination.
"The deer found a plentiful browse in the forest." or "A quick browse of the manual will give you an idea of how it works."