probe

The word “probe” means a formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing. In plain terms, to investigate closely — or a tool/instrument (physical or figurative) used to do that investigating.

“Probe” is pronounced prohb (/pɹoʊb/ in IPA).

Here is “probe” used in a sentence: “Authorities launched a probe into the company's accounting practices.”

Depending on how it is used, “probe” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “probe” comes from Latin. From Latin probare, "to test or examine" — a doublet of "prove.".

“Probe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Probe” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing.

A probe is a formal investigation, so the words largely overlap, but "probe" adds the suggestion of digging deep to uncover hidden information and typically concerns suspected wrongdoing. It is also the standard headline word in journalism because it is short, as in "Senate opens fraud probe."

A space probe is an uncrewed spacecraft sent to gather information about a distant location, such as another planet — it may fly past, orbit, or land on its target. A satellite remains in orbit around a single body, most often Earth. In short, probes travel to a destination, while satellites circle one.

Use "probe" when you want to stress a close, searching examination aimed at uncovering something hidden: "the reporter probed the company's finances." "Investigate" is the neutral, all-purpose choice. Probe also suits physical exploration, echoing its sense of a slender instrument exploring a wound or cavity.

In medicine, a probe is a slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity, allowing a clinician to examine areas that cannot be seen directly. The same idea carries over to engineering, where a probe is a slim tool or sensor used to explore or test equipment.