explore
To travel through or examine something unknown in detail.
Word facts
Definition
To explore means to travel through an unfamiliar area to learn about it, or to examine an idea, topic, or option carefully and thoroughly.
Usage: Explore suggests active, open-ended investigation. Investigate implies more systematic searching, often for answers to a specific question.
Example sentences
- 1
They explored the rainforest for three days without seeing another person.
- 2
The course encourages students to explore different learning styles.
- 3
Scientists explore the deep ocean to understand what lives there.
Word family
From Latin explorare ('to investigate, search out'), from ex- ('out') + plorare ('to cry out, make a noise'). Hunters called out to flush out prey — to scout is to call out.
Explore = ex + plore. Go out (ex) and look around. Explorers go out to find what is there.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of explore?
Exploration. An explorer is a person who explores.
Can explore be used figuratively?
Yes. You can explore an idea, a topic, or a possibility — not just a physical place.