explore
Definitions
To travel through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.
（实地）探索，探险
To examine or consider an idea, option, or subject thoroughly.
探究，研究，仔细考虑
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out) + plor (cry out) = 'to cry out as you search.' The likely image is a hunter beating the bushes and shouting to flush hidden game out into the open. The shouting faded from the meaning over time, leaving only the searching — so explore now means to search a place or an idea thoroughly to discover what is hidden in it.
Root plor still carries 6 more wordsWhy It Means This
Explore is the great surprise of the plor family. The other members (deplore, implore) are openly about crying, but explore hides it completely. The bridge is the hunt: ex- (out) + plōrāre (cry out) described shouting to drive game out of cover. The 'searching' that came with the shouting is the only part that survived.
Common Collocations
- 1.explore options探索选择
- 2.explore possibilities探索可能性
- 3.explore a topic探究一个话题
- 4.explore new territory探索新领域
- 5.explore ways to探索…的方法
Example Sentences
- 1.
We spent the whole afternoon exploring the old town on foot.
- 2.
The committee is exploring several options before making a decision.
- 3.
Scientists are still exploring how the disease spreads.
- 4.
Let's explore the idea a bit more before we commit.
Synonym Comparison
- explore — search a place or idea thoroughly to discover what's there
- investigate — search for facts, often to solve a problem or crime
- examine — inspect closely and in detail
- probe — search deeply and persistently, often into something hidden
- survey — look over the whole of something to get an overview