delve

[delv]

verb (used without object)

delved, delving 

1. to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate.

   to delve into the issue of prison reform.

   Synonyms: explore, examine, probe, inquire, research

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

verb (used with object)

delved, delving 

1. Archaic.,  to dig; excavate.

delve

/ dɛlv /

verb

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)

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

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

Other Word Forms

• delver noun
• undelved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delve¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of delve¹

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

Example Sentences

“You’re delving into areas that are way too premature for me to discuss, other than for me to tell you we agree with the goal,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For the moment, delving into the whole of his catalog on tour — including Something Corporate and Wilderness material — has proved especially healing for McMahon.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As monet delved into her work, her voice was serious, contained and bursting with emotion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Corinne, who has a therapist, says the discussions with her therapist delve more into childhood than the questions she raises with ChatGPT over dating or relationship queries.

Read more on BBC

In the more than two decades in between, Cocker positioned himself as a bit of a renaissance man, while pulling away from the Pulp lifestyle and delving into a solo career.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burrow 
• inquire