delve

American  

[delv] / dɛlv /

verb (used without object)

delved, delving

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.

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verb (used with object)

delved, delving

1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

delve British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• delver noun
• undelved adjective

Etymology

Origin of delve

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

Related Words

• burrow
• inquire