delve
[ delv ]
/ dɛlv /
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verb (used without object), delved, delv·ing.
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate: to delve into the issue of prison reform.
Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.
verb (used with object), delved, delv·ing.
Archaic. to dig; excavate.
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Origin of delve
before 900; Middle English delven,Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven,Old High German telban
OTHER WORDS FROM delve
delver, nounun·delved, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use delve in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for delve
delve
/ (dɛlv) /
verb (mainly intr; often foll by in or into)
to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc)he delved in the Bible for quotations
to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)
(esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)
(also tr) archaic, or dialect to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade
Derived forms of delve
delver, nounWord Origin for delve
Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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