explore
Americanverb (used with object)
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to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery.
to explore the island.
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to look into closely; scrutinize; examine.
Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.
- Synonyms:
- survey, investigate, research, study, probe
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Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.
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Obsolete. to search for; search out.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to examine or investigate, esp systematically
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to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes
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(tr) med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes
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obsolete (tr) to search for or out
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The novel explores themes of ancestral sin and atonement against the backdrop of the forests, which stand as silent witnesses to human crimes enacted on a global scale.
From Los Angeles Times
A marvelous Rhea Seehorn stars in the Apple TV sci-fi series, which explores the nature of happiness and an individual’s right to be discontented.
From Los Angeles Times
By exploring a distant and somewhat alien community through the device of music, they somehow tapped into something universal.
From Los Angeles Times
The Financial Accounting Standards Board, which sets accounting rules for U.S. companies and nonprofits, has no projects on the standard-setting agenda to explore requiring a breakdown of construction in progress, Chair Rich Jones said.
And while the team is exploring domestic manufacturing options, it has yet to take the plunge because it will likely be more expensive.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
