delve

American  

[delv] / dɛlv /

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.

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verb (used with object)

delved, delving

1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

delve British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• delver noun
• undelved adjective

Etymology

Origin of delve

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

Example Sentences

Wright delved into the subject of the war about nine minutes into his public remarks at the S&P Global’s CERAWeek energy conference in downtown Houston.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her stories frequently explore the travel experience, from occasional fliers to seasoned road warriors, and she has delved into the world of aviation culture with stories on planespotting, first class amenities, and Biscoff cookies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, it would be irresponsible of me to just drop this idea without delving into some logistical details.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, BBC Sport delves into the numbers behind his latest milestone.

From BBC

He begins with a chapter on “The Earth in Space and Time,” and 200 pages later delves into Mesopotamian civilization.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• burrow
• inquire