case-study
UK[ˈkeɪs ˌstʌdi]US[ˈkeɪs ˌstʌdi]
n
A detailed analysis of a person, group, or situation, especially as a model for learning or research.
n
A particular instance or example that is investigated and written about to illustrate a principle or theory.
Morpheme Breakdown
case
study
case
instance
study
examination
Etymology
The term 'case-study' is a modern English compound formed from two nouns of Latin origin. 'Case' derives from Latin casus, which originally meant 'a fall' or 'chance event', evolving to signify a particular instance or occurrence requiring examination. 'Study' originates from Latin studium, denoting earnest application and intellectual pursuit. Combined in the early 20th century, the compound logically denotes the intensive examination ('study') of a specific, bounded instance ('case'), creating a methodological term central to social sciences, medicine, and business education. It reflects a shift towards empirical, instance-based analysis over purely theoretical study.
Analysis
Structure: case (instance) + study (examination)
- case: From Latin casus (a falling, an occurrence, a grammatical case). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning a particular instance or example.
- study: From Latin studium (zeal, application, study). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning the act or process of applying the mind to learn or examine.
Examples
The professor assigned a detailed case-study of a successful tech startup.
Her thesis includes a fascinating case-study on the effects of urban renewal.
Medical students often learn diagnosis through the analysis of patient case-studies.