explore
explore
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "explore" is /ɪkˈsplɔːr/.
ex: /ɪk/
plore: /ˈsplɔːr/
Word Form Variations
Verb: explore (base form), explores (third person singular present), explored (past tense, past participle), exploring (present participle)
Noun: exploration (singular), explorations (plural), explorer (singular), explorers (plural)
Adjective: exploratory, explored (as in "an explored territory")
Adverb: exploratorily
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Explore
To travel in or through (a place) in order to learn about it or discover resources. 🗺️
Synonyms: journey, traverse, survey, reconnoiter, investigate
Antonyms: ignore, overlook, avoid, remain
To inquire into or discuss (a subject or issue) in detail.
Synonyms: investigate, examine, research, delve into, analyze
Antonyms: disregard, dismiss, conclude, neglect
Noun
Exploration
The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.
Synonyms: discovery, reconnaissance, expedition, quest, survey
Antonyms: retreat, neglect, abandonment
The act of analyzing or discussing a subject or issue in detail.
Synonyms: examination, investigation, inquiry, analysis, study
Antonyms: superficiality, oversight, neglect
Explorer
A person who travels to unknown places to discover new things.
Synonyms: discoverer, pioneer, voyager, adventurer, scout
Antonyms: homebody, settler, resident
Adjective
Exploratory
Relating to or involving exploration or investigation; serving to explore.
Synonyms: investigative, preliminary, probing, research-oriented
Antonyms: conclusive, definitive, final
Adverb
Exploratorily
In a manner that involves exploration or investigation; with the purpose of exploring.
Synonyms: experimentally, tentatively, analytically
Antonyms: conclusively, definitively
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction: In academic works, authors often explore complex themes or historical periods. For example, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari explores the major turning points in human history (Harper, February 2015). Travel guides, like those by Lonely Planet, invite readers to "explore the hidden gems of Italy."
Fiction: Characters in novels might explore new lands or delve into psychological states. A protagonist might "explore the ancient ruins of a forgotten city" or "explore the depths of their own grief."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists often explore the implications of new policies or current events. A headline might read, "Experts explore the impact of AI on the job market" (The New York Times, May 2024). An investigative piece could "explore allegations of corruption within the government."
Feature Articles: Travel sections frequently encourage readers to "explore new destinations" or "explore local culinary scenes."
Online Publications
Blogs and Articles: Tech blogs might "explore the features of a new smartphone." Food blogs could "explore various regional cuisines."
Educational Websites: Websites like Coursera or edX offer courses that enable learners to "explore subjects" from coding to philosophy. Online science articles might "explore the latest discoveries in astrophysics."
Social Media: Travel influencers "explore exotic locations," sharing their experiences with followers. DIY creators often "explore different crafting techniques."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Documentaries: Documentary filmmakers often explore significant historical events, natural phenomena, or social issues. A nature documentary might "explore the Amazon rainforest's biodiversity."
Podcasts: Hosts of informational podcasts might "explore the history of a specific industry" or "explore psychological concepts." A true-crime podcast could "explore cold cases."
Video Games: Many video games are designed around the concept of exploration, allowing players to "explore vast open worlds," discover hidden areas, or "explore intricate storylines."
TV Shows: Travel shows often feature hosts who "explore cultures" around the globe. Science shows might "explore the frontiers of space."
Music: Song lyrics can metaphorically "explore themes of love, loss, or personal growth."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: People often say they want to "explore new hobbies," "explore career options," or "explore solutions to a problem." "Let's explore some different possibilities before making a decision."
Meetings/Discussions: In a professional setting, a team might "explore various strategies" for a new project. "We need to explore all avenues before committing."
Personal Development: Individuals might aim to "explore their own potential" or "explore new ways of thinking."
Education: Students are encouraged to "explore different academic disciplines" before choosing a major.
10 Quotes Using Explore
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." (H. Jackson Brown.)
"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." (T. S. Eliot)
"Life is about growth and exploration, not achieving a fixed state of balance." (Mel Robbins)
"We were meant to explore this earth like children do, unhindered by fear, propelled by curiosity and a sense of discovery." (Laurel Bleadon Maffei)
"Come to the book as you would come to an unexplored land. Come without a map. Explore it and draw your own map." (Stephen King)
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit." (Frank Borman)
"I want to know why I'm alive. I want to understand. It's like exploration; it's like someone being interested in a place and its history, digging into the earth and looking for it, searching - it's a passion." (Juliette Binoche)
"To explore the unknown and the familiar, distant and near, and to record in detail with the eyes of a child, any beauty, horror, irony, traces of utopia, or Hell." (Dan Eldon)
"Exploration is what you do when you don't know what you're doing." (Neil deGrasse Tyson)
"The world is yours to explore." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "explore" comes from the Latin word "explorare," which means "to search out," "to investigate," or originally, "to call out." 🗣️ Imagine a hunter or scout calling out to test for echoes or to locate something in the wilderness.
The first known use of "explore" in English, with the meaning of "to search for or investigate," dates back to the early 16th century. It specifically referred to the act of traveling through an unknown region to discover its features or resources. Over time, its meaning broadened to include investigating a subject or idea in detail.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Explore
Explore avenues: To investigate various possibilities or methods. "We need to explore avenues for increasing sales."
Explore options: To consider different choices or alternatives. "Let's explore options before making a decision."
Explore depths: To investigate something thoroughly or to delve into profound aspects. "The documentary tried to explore depths of human emotion."
Explore new ground: To venture into a new area of study, activity, or territory. "The research aims to explore new ground in quantum physics."
Explore a topic: To investigate or discuss a subject in detail. "The lecture will explore a topic on sustainable energy."
Explore possibilities: To consider what might be feasible or achievable. "They met to explore possibilities for collaboration."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of explore from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
