explore

American  

[ik-splawr, -splohr] / ɪkˈsplɔr, -ˈsploʊr /

verb (used with object)

explored, exploring

1. to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery.

   to explore the island.

2. to look into closely; scrutinize; examine.

   Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.

   Synonyms:

   survey, investigate, research, study, probe

3. Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.

4. Obsolete. to search for; search out.

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verb (used without object)

explored, exploring

1. to engage in exploration.

explore British  

/ ɪkˈsplɔː /

verb

1. (tr) to examine or investigate, esp systematically

2. to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes

3. (tr) med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes

4. obsolete (tr) to search for or out

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Other Word Forms

• explorability noun
• explorable adjective
• explorer noun
• exploringly adverb
• reexplore verb
• unexplorable adjective
• unexplored adjective

Etymology

Origin of explore

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin explōrāre “to search out, examine,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ ( def. ) + plōrāre “to cry out,” probably originally with reference to hunting cries

Example Sentences

I loved doing that as a kid and want to explore that.

From Los Angeles Times

The research team now plans to explore whether the cellular changes caused by high-fat diets can be undone.

From Science Daily

My father loved to travel and explore new towns, national parks and monuments.

From The Wall Street Journal

There, professionally trained staff can teach children how to play, explore, and negotiate conflicts with other children - all of which helps stimulate their brains.

From BBC

She also explores the natural tension between adult kids and their parents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analyze
• delve into
• examine
• probe
• research
• scrutinize
• search
• seek
• test
• try