delve

[ delv ]

verb (used without object)

, delved, delv·ing.

1. to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate:

   to delve into the issue of prison reform.

   Synonyms: explore, examine, probe, inquire, research

2. Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.

verb (used with object)

, delved, delv·ing.

1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

delve

/ dɛlv /

verb

1. to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc)

   he delved in the Bible for quotations

2. to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)
3. (esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)
4. archaic.
   also tr to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade

Derived Forms

• ˈdelver, noun

Other Words From

• delver noun
• un·delved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delve¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban

Word History and Origins

Origin of delve¹

Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel

Example Sentences

Before this campaign, Fiji's visit to Dublin on 23 November appeared the most likely arena for Farrell to experiment and delve deeper into his squad, but the Englishman may feel as though wholesale changes are needed for Argentina.

From BBC

Aside from investigations, funding is another tool the Trump administration could potentially use to rein in programs or curriculum, including “critical race theory,” which they cast as anti-American, misguided “woke” efforts because they delve into systemic racism.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing Tula Harkonnen in “Dune: Prophecy,” set 10,000 years before the events of Villeneuve’s “Dune,” didn’t necessarily require Williams to delve deeply into the mythology of Frank Herbert’s novels.

From Los Angeles Times

This sense of play is key, allowing “Great Gold Bird” to delve heavily into the realities of living with prolonged grief — its delusions, its isolating nature and its fantastical hopes — without feeling overbearing.

From Los Angeles Times

While declining to delve into “certain details,” the Grammy-winning songstress said, “It definitely doesn’t get any easier, seeing some of the negativity that was birthed by disreputable tabloids.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burrow
• inquire