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

In a recent article, we evaluated sugar's environmental impacts and explored avenues for reducing sugar in the diet to recommended levels either through reducing production or using the saved sugar in environmentally beneficial ways.

From Salon

The panel also explored allegations that Gaetz took bribes while in office.

From Salon

That the themes explored in Maguire’s novel are just as relevant 30 years after its publication speaks to just how important “Wicked” is.

From Salon

The UK Labour government has also said it is exploring ways to improve the effectiveness of a scheme that allows foreign nationals leave prisons in England and Wales before their sentence is finished.

From BBC

Further work is needed to investigate things needed to implement the proposed system but have yet to be fully explored.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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