English Reference
verb · noun

explore

v. · n.
US /ɪksˈpɫɔɹ/ UK /ɛksplˈɔː/ ex·plore UK spelling explores

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    tourlook aroundscout

Usage explore new · explore aspect · explore attitude


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.

This entry
Origin Latin explōrō
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated