“Search” vs. “Look Up”: What’s the Difference?

A line illustration of two people with their mouth open, and a giant question mark between them.

The difference between “search” and “look up”

  • The main difference between search and look up is in their approach to finding information; search is comprehensive and methodical, while look up is specific and focused.
  • Search is often used when something is missing or needs to be found, while look up is used when information is needed.
  • Search can take longer and requires more effort, while looking up is usually a quick and easy process.
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What is the definition of “search” and “look up”?

Search
  • Search means to look for something or someone that is missing or lost by using a methodical and thorough approach.
  • It involves actively seeking out information by looking through various sources such as books, websites, or databases.
  • The purpose of a search is to find something that is missing or to gather information.
Look up
  • Look up means to search for information in a reference book, dictionary, or online database.
  • It is a more focused and specific approach to finding information, usually done for the purpose of gaining knowledge.
  • Looking up information is often a quick and easy way to find an answer to a specific question or to verify a fact.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Search” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Search
12,010,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I need to search for my misplaced keys before I can leave the house.
  2. The company decided to search for a new CEO who had experience leading a large team.
  3. I always search for reviews before buying a new product online.
Look up
234,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Can you please look up the recipe for pasta carbonara?
  2. I wanted to learn more about the author of my favorite book, so I decided to look him up online.
  3. If you don't know the meaning of a word, you can always look it up in a dictionary.
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