exploratory
or ex·plor·a·tive
[ik-splawr-uh-tawr-ee, -splohr-uh-tohr-ee or ik-splawr-uh-tiv, -splohr-]
- pertaining to or concerned with exploration: an exploratory operation.
- inclined to make explorations.
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Origin of exploratory
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word explōrātōrius. See exploration, -ory1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
prior, preparatory, exploratory, curious, seeking, preliminary, opening, primary, trial, fundamental, basic, test, pilot, first, readying, penetrating, inquiring, balloon, testing, elementalExamples from the Web for exploratory
Contemporary Examples
Unlike former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Huckabee is not immediately forming an exploratory committee.
Rand Paul announced he would form an exploratory committee for a Senate campaign at just the right time, in May 2009.
Gorgeous gave them an opportunity to take on a serious subject in a fun, exploratory way, McGill says.
It is not an efficient way to write, but I love that exploratory phase, when even bad writing somehow seems promising.
In February, he formed an exploratory committee for his congressional bid.
Sean Eldridge, Husband of Facebook Mogul Chris Hughes, Running For CongressBen Jacobs
September 23, 2013
Historical Examples
Something was suggested about what he called an "exploratory puncture."
The Poet at the Breakfast TableOliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Let us accompany Mr. Dick in one of his exploratory rambles.
The Cruise of the BetseyHugh Miller
The new response is exploratory and tentative, while habit is fixed and definite.
PsychologyRobert S. Woodworth
Listening to a sudden noise is one of the first exploratory reactions.
PsychologyRobert S. Woodworth
On these exploratory thoughts intent, I took my homeward way.
Word Origin and History for exploratory
adj.
mid-15c., from Latin exploratorius "belonging to scouts," from explorator "scout," from explorare (see explore). Alternative explorative is from 1738.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper