Which text uses the word peruse in its traditional sense?
Before returning to the stockroom, Ronald briefly perused the nails in the hardware aisle to see if anything needed to be restocked. Ronald perused the nails in the hardware aisle for almost an hour, trying to figure out which type would be best for his project.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses peruse in its traditional sense: to examine in detail.
Ronald perused the nails in the hardware aisle for almost an hour, trying to figure out which type would be best for his project.
The second text uses peruse in its nontraditional sense: to look through in a casual manner.
Before returning to the stockroom, Ronald briefly perused the nails in the hardware aisle to see if anything needed to be restocked.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word peruse because it is considered more standard.