delve

[ delv ]
See synonyms for: delvedelving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),delved, delv·ing.
  1. to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate: to delve into the issue of prison reform.

  2. Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.

verb (used with object),delved, delv·ing.
  1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

Origin of delve

1
First recorded before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban

Other words for delve

Other words from delve

  • delver, noun
  • un·delved, adjective

Words Nearby delve

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How to use delve in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for delve

delve

/ (dɛlv) /


verb(mainly intr; often foll by in or into)
  1. to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc): he delved in the Bible for quotations

  2. to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)

  1. (esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)

  2. (also tr) archaic, or dialect to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade

Origin of delve

1
Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel

Derived forms of delve

  • delver, noun

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