ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exhaustive

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ɪɡˈzɔstɪv// UK //ɛɡzˈɔːstɪv// ex·haus·tive Archaic

adj. including every possible detail or part. You use this to describe a search or a report that is very thorough and leaves nothing out.

adj. including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive. Often used to describe research, lists, or investigations that leave no stone unturned.


SIMPLE

The police conducted an exhaustive search of the building.

CONTEXTUAL

After an exhaustive review of the evidence, the committee concluded that no further action was necessary.

COMPLEX

The researchers published an exhaustive study of the local ecosystem, documenting every plant and animal species found within the valley over a ten-year period.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Medieval Latin exhaustīvus, also exhaust + -ive by surface analysis.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

He felt very exhaustive after the raceHe felt very exhausted after the raceLearners confuse 'exhaustive' (thorough/complete) with 'exhausted' (extremely tired).

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