explore

[ik-splawr, -splohr]

verb (used with object)

explored, exploring 

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)

explored, exploring 

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

Other Word Forms

• explorer noun
• explorable adjective
• explorability noun
• exploringly adverb
• reexplore verb
• unexplorable adjective
• unexplored 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

“Despite our best efforts to find a sustainable path forward — including exploring every possible solution to address these challenges — we have made the very difficult decision to wind down the business.”

From Los Angeles Times

The firm, established in Lancashire in 1970, said the majority of its stores will continue to trade as normal while it explores "options" including looking for a buyer.

From BBC

Anaheim has explored how to connect its two main visitor hubs along Katella Avenue, with Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center about three miles west of Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Chargers and Chiefs will treat Brazil strictly as business, leaving little room for exploring, Fouts and company — without handlers or translators — were cut loose on the streets of 1970s Tokyo.

From Los Angeles Times

Midjourney, on its website, describes itself as “an independent research lab exploring new mediums of thought and expanding the imaginative powers of the human species.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze 
• delve into www.thesaurus.com
• examine 
• probe 
• research 
• scrutinize 
• search 
• seek 
• test 
• try