explore

[ ik-splawr, -splohr ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

1. to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery:

   to explore the island.

2. to look into closely; scrutinize; examine:

   Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.

   Synonyms: survey, investigate, research, study, probe

3. Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.
4. Obsolete. to search for; search out.

verb (used without object)

, ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

1. to engage in exploration.

explore

/ ɪkˈsplɔː /

verb

1. tr to examine or investigate, esp systematically
2. to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes
3. tr med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes
4. obsolete.
   tr to search for or out

Derived Forms

• exˈplorer, noun

Other Words From

• ex·plora·ble adjective
• ex·plora·bili·ty noun
• ex·ploring·ly adverb
• reex·plore verb reexplored reexploring
• unex·plora·ble adjective
• unex·plored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explore¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin explōrāre “to search out, examine,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹( def ) + plōrāre “to cry out,” probably originally with reference to hunting cries

Word History and Origins

Origin of explore¹

C16: from Latin explōrāre, from ex- ¹+ plōrāre to cry aloud; probably from the shouts of hunters sighting prey

Example Sentences

A 64-year-old animal trainer, he makes the six-hour round-trip every two weeks to submit to her and explore his sexuality.

From The Daily Beast

In October, news broke that Regal hired Morgan Stanley to explore a possible sale.

From The Daily Beast

Another side of Spider-Man that might be interesting to explore in a reboot is seeing him as an adult.

From The Daily Beast

It has been incredible to explore so many artistic avenues when it comes to having a dialogue about a very serious disease.

From The Daily Beast

But what I want to explore next, there are a couple of New Zealand films I want to do.

From The Daily Beast

The world must certainly be round, he thought, and he was no longer satisfied to explore the waters near his own home.

From Project Gutenberg

No sooner was the spectroscope invented than astronomers hastened by its aid to explore the chemical constitution of the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

It made us feel that one ought to have two or three years to explore Britain instead of a single summer's vacation.

From Project Gutenberg

After a short conference the officer in command decided to divide the party and explore both paths.

From Project Gutenberg

Having eaten all his small stomach would hold, Lovin Child wanted to get down and explore.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analyze
• delve into
• examine
• probe
• research
• scrutinize
• search
• seek
• test
• try