# explore

/ɪksˈpɫɔɹ/ (US) · /ɛksplˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/explore
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. to travel and discover

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to investigate an idea

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. medical examination

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a short trip

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- We spent the afternoon exploring the old city streets.
- The committee will explore several different options before making a final decision on the budget.
- The documentary aims to explore the complex relationship between urban development and the preservation of local wildlife habitats in the coastal region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.