exploration
ehksp-luh-RAY-shuhn
Exploration (noun) means the act of traveling through or investigating an unfamiliar place or subject. Example: “We spent the weekend on a slow exploration of the old harbour town.”
noun
1
The act of traveling through or investigating an unfamiliar place or subject.
"We spent the weekend on a slow exploration of the old harbour town."
"Space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe."
"Her novel is an exploration of grief and memory."
How to use exploration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of discovering or investigating something new, whether a place or an idea.
Common pairings
space exploration
oil exploration
an exploration of
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Word forms
- Plural
- explorations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We spent the weekend on a slow _____ of the old harbour town.
Etymology
From Middle French exploration, from Latin exploratio, related to explorare — see "explore."
Related words
Rhymes for exploration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for exploration →
Frequently asked questions
What does “exploration” mean?
The word “exploration” means the act of traveling through or investigating an unfamiliar place or subject. In plain terms, the process of discovering or investigating something new, whether a place or an idea.
How do you pronounce “exploration”?
“Exploration” is pronounced ehksp-luh-RAY-shuhn (/ˌɛkspləˈɹeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “exploration” in a sentence?
Here is “exploration” used in a sentence: “Space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe.”
What part of speech is “exploration”?
“Exploration” is a noun.
Where does the word “exploration” come from?
The word “exploration” comes from Latin. From Middle French exploration, from Latin exploratio, related to explorare — see "explore.".
Is “exploration” a common word?
“Exploration” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "exploration" and "expedition"?
"Exploration" is the act of travelling through or investigating an unfamiliar place or subject. An "expedition" is a specific organised journey undertaken for that purpose. Exploration is the activity, while an expedition is the trip on which it happens.
When should you use "exploration" instead of "investigation"?
Use "exploration" for open-ended travelling through or examining something unfamiliar, often to discover what is there. Use "investigation" for a more focused, systematic inquiry aimed at establishing specific facts or answers.
What preposition follows "exploration" — "exploration of" or "exploration into"?
The standard collocation is "exploration of," as in "the exploration of space" or "an exploration of the theme." "Exploration into" is also used to stress probing beneath the surface, as in "an exploration into her past."
What is the difference between "exploration" and "discovery"?
"Exploration" is the process of travelling through or investigating something unfamiliar, while "discovery" is the result — finding something new. You carry out exploration in order to make discoveries.
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