exploratory

American  

[ik-splawr-uh-tawr-ee] / ɪkˈsplɔr əˌtɔr i /

Also explorative

adjective

1. pertaining to or concerned with exploration.

   an exploratory operation.

2. inclined to make explorations.

---

Other Word Forms

• exploratively adverb
• nonexplorative adjective
• nonexploratory adjective
• unexplorative adjective
• unexploratory adjective

Etymology

Origin of exploratory

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word explōrātōrius. See exploration, -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Ask exploratory questions: If I moved near you, what would that be like for you?

From The Wall Street Journal

Partisanship was in many ways alien to Cowley’s probing and genially learned critical temperament, which Mr. Howard describes as “Emersonian, humanistic, exploratory.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Veldink has agreed to join an exploratory committee to examine options for the plant, including attracting a data center, though he’s unsure of the best path forward.

From The Wall Street Journal

Brazil's state oil giant Petrobras this month started exploratory drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River, an area considered a promising new oil frontier.

From Barron's

Brazil's state oil firm has received a licence to conduct exploratory oil drilling in the sea off the Amazon, despite environmental concerns about the project.

From BBC

Related Words

• preparatory
• prior