explore
ihk-SPLAW
Explore (verb) means to travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it. Example: “They spent the weekend exploring the old city on foot.”
verb
1
To travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it.
"They spent the weekend exploring the old city on foot."
"Divers explored the sunken shipwreck for hidden treasure."
"We love to explore a new town by wandering its back streets."
2
To examine or think about something carefully.
"The committee will explore other funding options."
"Before we decide, let us explore every possible consequence of the plan."
"The teacher asked the class to explore why the character made that choice."
How to use explore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo travel around discovering a place, or to think carefully through an idea or option.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
explore options
explore the city
explore further
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Word forms
- Plural
- explores
- Third person singular
- explores
- Past tense
- explored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Divers _____ the sunken shipwreck for hidden treasure.
Etymology
From Middle French explorer, from Latin explorare, "to investigate, search out" — originally a hunting term meaning "to cry out," from ex- ("out") + plorare ("to cry").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for explore
See all rhymes for explore →Frequently asked questions
What does “explore” mean?
The word “explore” means to travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it. In plain terms, to travel around discovering a place, or to think carefully through an idea or option.
How do you pronounce “explore”?
“Explore” is pronounced ihk-SPLAW (/ɪkˈsploɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “explore” in a sentence?
Here is “explore” used in a sentence: “Divers explored the sunken shipwreck for hidden treasure.”
What part of speech is “explore”?
“Explore” is a verb.
Where does the word “explore” come from?
The word “explore” comes from Latin. From Middle French explorer, from Latin explorare, "to investigate, search out" — originally a hunting term meaning "to cry out," from ex- ("out") + plorare ("to cry").
Is “explore” a common word?
“Explore” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “explore” have?
“Explore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'discover'?
To 'explore' is to travel through or examine something carefully in order to learn about it, focusing on the process of searching. To 'discover' is to find something for the first time, focusing on the result, so you often explore an area in the hope of discovering something new.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'investigate'?
'Explore' suggests an open-ended search or examination to learn about a place or idea, without a fixed conclusion in mind. 'Investigate' is more systematic and purposeful, usually aimed at uncovering facts or solving a specific problem, as in investigating a crime.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'examine'?
'Explore' often implies moving through or ranging over something wide, such as a region or a broad topic, to learn about it. 'Examine' suggests looking closely and in detail at something specific to check or understand it, so exploring is broader and examining is more focused.
Does 'explore' need a preposition after it?
'Explore' is usually a transitive verb that takes a direct object with no preposition, as in 'explore the cave' or 'explore the idea.' You should not say 'explore into something,' since the object follows the verb directly.
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