explore

[ ik-splawr, -splohr ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

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)

, ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• exˈplorer, noun

Other Words From

• ex·plora·ble adjective
• ex·plora·bili·ty noun
• ex·ploring·ly adverb
• reex·plore verb reexplored reexploring
• unex·plora·ble adjective
• unex·plored adjective

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

The approach, called "bioelectronic medicine," is part of an emerging field where nerve stimulation is being explored to treat various inflammatory conditions from rheumatoid arthritis to Crohn's disease.

From Science Daily

Sleep research has exploded in recent years, with thousands of animal studies exploring how insufficient sleep impacts risk of diseases like diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's and immune disorders -- and how such diseases impact sleep.

From Science Daily

Chief executive Jenny Mollica said Greater Manchester was “a region of limitless creative possibilities”, which would allow the company to “explore new visions for the future of opera”.

From BBC

The court was told that Thomas believed he could harness gravity and told police he was "exploring energy fields" when arrested at Buckingham Palace on 6 November 2023.

From BBC

In addition, future research can explore how skincare routines impact microbiota across different ethnicities and skin types.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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