verb
delve
dehlv
Delve (verb) means to search thoroughly into something, especially information or a topic, in order to learn more. Example: “The documentary delves into the history of the civil rights movement.”
verb
1
To search thoroughly into something, especially information or a topic, in order to learn more.
"The documentary delves into the history of the civil rights movement."
"She delved through old letters looking for clues."
2
To dig into the ground.
"The archaeologists delved into the hillside in search of artefacts."
How to use delve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo dig deep into something, literally or in the sense of research and investigation.
Common pairings
delve into the details
delve deeper
delve into history
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Word forms
- Plural
- delves
- Third person singular
- delves
- Past tense
- delved, dolve, dolven
Fill the gap
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The documentary _____ into the history of the civil rights movement.
Etymology
From Old English delfan ("to dig"), from Proto-Germanic *delbaną — the same root gave Dutch delven and Low German dölven.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for delve
See all rhymes for delve →Frequently asked questions
What does “delve” mean?
The word “delve” means to search thoroughly into something, especially information or a topic, in order to learn more. In plain terms, to dig deep into something, literally or in the sense of research and investigation.
How do you pronounce “delve”?
“Delve” is pronounced dehlv (/dɛlv/ in IPA).
How do you use “delve” in a sentence?
Here is “delve” used in a sentence: “The documentary delves into the history of the civil rights movement.”
What part of speech is “delve”?
“Delve” is a verb.
Where does the word “delve” come from?
The word “delve” comes from Old English. From Old English delfan ("to dig"), from Proto-Germanic *delbaną — the same root gave Dutch delven and Low German dölven.
How many meanings does “delve” have?
“Delve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to search thoroughly into something, especially information or a topic, in order to learn more.
