explore

[ik-splawr, -splohr]

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.

verb (used without object)

explored, exploring 

1. to engage in exploration.

explore

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of explore¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of explore¹

C16: from Latin explōrāre, from _ex- ¹ + plōrāre to cry aloud; probably from the shouts of hunters sighting prey

Example Sentences

“Ken Gonzales-Day: History’s ‘Nevermade’” offers a timely retrospective of an artist who explores the way social erasure operates in American life.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s actually something that I really wanted to explore in the special.

From Los Angeles Times

“I understand the fear might be real, but I would encourage anybody that is deeply fearful to explore some alternative points of view.”

From Los Angeles Times

Another review said Roy explores urban alienation with "remarkable subtlety", praising her deliberately slow, observational style of filming which allows the "emotional terrain" of the characters to emerge with clarity.

From BBC

On Wednesday, in a podcast hosted by Benny Johnson, a long-time collaborator with Kirk's Turning Point organisation, Carr said there were "remedies" the FCC could explore.

From BBC

Related Words

• analyze 
• delve into www.thesaurus.com
• examine 
• probe 
• research 
• scrutinize 
• search 
• seek 
• test 
• try