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
-
(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.
In that way, the next mission to explore an asteroid is better prepared.
From Space Scoop
On Monday, Barrick announced it would explore an initial public offering of a subsidiary that would hold its premier North American gold assets.
From Barron's
The team also examined isolated monocytes and used cell culture tests to explore the underlying biological mechanisms in greater detail.
From Science Daily
These younger consumers outperform in their social-media influence and tend to explore a wider range of brands.
On the contrary, it will encourage students to explore dissenting ideas, even if only as a “devil’s advocate.”
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.
