adj
Uncommon
exploratory
ehk-SPLOR-uh-tuh-ree
Exploratory (adj) means Done in order to investigate or find something out. Example: “Doctors performed exploratory surgery to find the cause of the pain.”
adj
1
Done in order to investigate or find something out.
"Doctors performed exploratory surgery to find the cause of the pain."
"They held exploratory talks before signing the deal."
How to use exploratory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMeant for investigating or testing something out, rather than for a final result.
Common pairings
exploratory surgery
exploratory talks
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Word forms
- Plural
- exploratories
Fill the gap
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Doctors performed _____ surgery to find the cause of the pain.
Etymology
From explore + the adjective ending -atory.
Synonyms
View more →
explorative
Antonyms
nonexploratory
Rhymes for exploratory
See all rhymes for exploratory →Frequently asked questions
What does “exploratory” mean?
The word “exploratory” means done in order to investigate or find something out. In plain terms, meant for investigating or testing something out, rather than for a final result.
How do you pronounce “exploratory”?
“Exploratory” is pronounced ehk-SPLOR-uh-tuh-ree (/ɛkˈsploɹ.əˌtoɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “exploratory” in a sentence?
Here is “exploratory” used in a sentence: “Doctors performed exploratory surgery to find the cause of the pain.”
What part of speech is “exploratory”?
“Exploratory” is an adjective.
Is “exploratory” a common word?
“Exploratory” is an uncommon word in modern English.
