Exploring
/ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo travel through a new area to find out about it.
/ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
To travel in or through (a place) for the purpose of discovery.
The children are exploring the forest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a detective going to investigate a new location. That's exploring! Like when you go to the park for the first time and look around to see the swings and slides.
👶 For kids: Looking around a new place to see what it's like.
More Examples
We are planning to explore the city this weekend.
NASA is exploring the possibility of life on Mars.
How It's Used
"Early explorers charted unknown territories."
"Scientists are exploring the depths of the ocean."
To think or talk about something in order to find out more about it.
/ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
To discuss or examine (a subject or idea) in detail.
The committee is exploring different options.
💡 Simply: Like when you're trying to figure something out. For example, you might want to explore what kind of pet you should get, and you'll research what kind of animal makes the best pet for you and your family.
👶 For kids: To talk or think about something to learn more about it.
More Examples
We need to explore the reasons for the decline in sales.
The researchers are exploring new treatments for the disease.
How It's Used
"The company is exploring new market opportunities."
"Therapists help patients explore their emotions."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
explore all avenues
To try every possible option or opportunity.
"Before making a decision, we need to explore all avenues to ensure we've considered all possibilities."
explore the possibilities
To consider or investigate all the options.
"Before committing to the project, we must explore the possibilities."
From Middle English exploren, from Old French explorer, from Latin explorare ('to investigate, examine'), from ex- ('out, thoroughly') + plorare ('to cry out, wail'). Initially referred to investigating or searching in a new environment or region.
Historically, used in navigational and scientific contexts to describe voyages and investigations into unknown territories and phenomena.
Memory tip
Imagine an 'X' marks the spot on a map, representing the act of exploring.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: ex- + plorare