Word
searching
Phoneticssearch·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɝtʃɪŋ/
UK/sˈɜːtʃɪŋ/
Definitions
01looking for something
A2 · Elementary
v. the action of looking carefully for someone or something.
v. the present participle of 'search', indicating the ongoing process of seeking or examining.
“The police are searching for the missing dog in the park.”
“Rescue teams have been searching the rugged terrain for three days, hoping to find the hikers before the storm arrives.”
Usage
Takes the preposition 'for' when the object is the thing being sought; takes a direct object when the object is the place being examined.
Pitfall
I am searching my keys.
I am searching for my keys.
When you look for an object, you must use the preposition 'for'. Searching a place means looking inside it.
02thorough and deep
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. looking at something very closely or asking deep questions to find the truth.
adj. characterized by deep scrutiny or a penetrating quality; often used to describe looks, questions, or investigations.
“The journalist asked several searching questions about where the money went.”
“She gave him a searching look, as if trying to determine whether he was being entirely honest about his whereabouts.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03the act of seeking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the activity of trying to find something.
n. the gerund form of 'search' used to describe the process of investigation or seeking.
“Searching for a new job can take a lot of time and energy.”
“Constant searching for validation from others can lead to a lack of self-confidence in the long run.”
Synonyms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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