English Reference

Word

explore

Phoneticsex·plore, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪksˈpɫɔɹ/

UK/ɛksplˈɔː/

Definitions

01to travel and discover

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

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

“Early expeditions aimed to explore the uncharted regions of the Antarctic, documenting the unique wildlife and harsh environmental conditions they encountered.”

02to investigate an idea

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

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

“The research paper explores the complex relationship between urban density and public health outcomes in developing nations.”

Antonyms

03medical examination

C1 · Advanced Medicine Technical

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

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

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

“The surgical team decided to explore the abdominal cavity to identify the source of the persistent internal bleeding.”

Synonyms

04a short trip

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

tourlook-aroundscout

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “explore” in context.

Verb

01. explore aspect

“We will explore every aspect of the problem to find a solution.”

verb + noun

02. explore attitude

“The survey was designed to explore public attitudes toward the environment.”

verb + noun

03. explore consequence

“We need to explore the consequences of this decision before we act.”

verb + noun

04. explore difference

“The study aims to explore the differences between the two cultures.”

verb + noun

05. explore dynamic

“The therapist helped them explore the dynamics of their family.”

verb + noun

06. explore effect

“Scientists are trying to explore the effects of the new medicine.”

verb + noun

07. explore experience

“The workshop allows participants to explore their personal experiences.”

verb + noun

08. explore extent

“The report will explore the extent of the damage caused by the storm.”

verb + noun

09. explore factor

“The researchers will explore the factors that lead to success in business.”

verb + noun

10. explore impact

“The documentary will explore the impact of social media on teenagers.”

verb + noun

11. explore implication

“The committee met to explore the implications of the new law.”

verb + noun

12. explore influence

“The exhibition explores the influence of African art on Picasso.”

verb + noun

Etymology

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”)).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

explore(B1)

Domain

Medicine

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference