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delve

[ delv ]
/ dɛlv /
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See synonyms for: delve / delving on Thesaurus.com

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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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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