Peruse this post, nary a cursory glance

In my penchant for pedantry, I find great delight in learning of words and phrases which are often misused. One of my favorite segments from National Public Radio (WNYC) is the word expert, Patricia O'Conner's, who speaks every third Wednesday on the Leonard Lopate Show.

One of the more memorable lessons was the misuse of the word "peruse," which is often taken to mean looking over something in a superficial manner. In fact, the word connotes a more detailed examination. According to Merriam-Webster.com, the definition is:

1 a: to examine or consider with attention and in detail : study
b: to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner
2: read; especially : to read over in an attentive or leisurely manner

Etymology: Middle English, to use up, deal with in sequence, from Latin per- thoroughly + Middle English usen to use.

Dorky linguaphiles will find more fun grammar tidbits on O'Conner website http://www.grammarphobia.com. Also, feel free to peruse this website from Princeton University for more commonly misused words and expressions.