ENGLISH
REFERENCE

explore

v. · n.
US //ɪksˈpɫɔɹ// UK //ɛksplˈɔː// ex·plore
  1. 1 to travel and discover (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to travel through a new or unfamiliar area to learn about it.

    to traverse a geographical area for the purpose of discovery or reconnaissance.

    Example

    We spent the whole afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the old town.

    Example

    Early expeditions aimed to explore the uncharted regions of the Antarctic, documenting the unique wildlife and harsh environmental conditions they encountered.
  2. 2 to investigate an idea (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to think about or discuss something carefully to see if it is a good idea.

    to examine or investigate a subject, possibility, or problem systematically.

    Example

    The company is exploring new ways to reduce plastic waste in their packaging.

    Example

    The research paper explores the complex relationship between urban density and public health outcomes in developing nations.
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  1. 3 medical examination (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    to examine a part of the body to find the cause of a health problem.

    to examine a patient or a specific anatomical site diagnostically, often through surgery.

    Example

    The surgeon needed to explore the wound to check for any internal damage.

    Example

    The surgical team decided to explore the abdominal cavity to identify the source of the persistent internal bleeding.
  2. 4 a short trip (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a short trip around a place to see what is there.

    a brief period of exploration or a casual tour of a location.

    Example

    I'm going for a quick explore of the hotel gardens before dinner.

    Example

    After checking into the hostel, we went for a quick explore of the neighbourhood to find a decent place for lunch.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰ Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰs Proto-Italic *eɣ Latin ex Latin ex- Latin plōrō Latin explōrōder. Middle French explorerder. English explore From Middle French explorer, from Latin explōrāre (“to investigate, search out”), itself said to be originally a hunters' term meaning "to set up a loud cry", from ex- (“out”) + plōrāre (“to cry”), but the second element is also explained as "to make to flow" (from pluere (“to flow”)).

Word family

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