To investigate a place, subject, or possibility with curiosity and attention.
Reach for it when inviting discovery without assuming the answer in advance
The children used magnifiers to explore the life beneath the fallen leaves.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
playful
have a look around
Fits when informal, low-pressure curiosity is appropriate
Careful This understates a rigorous study or demanding expedition.
warm
Fits when finding something new is the hoped-for result
Careful Discovery names the outcome; exploration can be worthwhile without a new find.
professional
examine
Fits when close inspection of a defined subject is required
Careful Examination is narrower and lacks the open movement or curiosity of exploration.
professional
experiment with
Fits when trying possible methods is the route to learning
Careful Experimenting changes variables, whereas exploring may only observe.
professional
investigate
Fits when a question needs systematic evidence
Careful Investigation sounds problem-focused and may imply suspected wrongdoing.
formal
delve into
Fits when a subject deserves sustained, deep attention
Careful The phrase suggests depth rather than broad or physical exploration.
literary
roam
Fits when free movement through a place is the pleasure
Careful Roaming can be aimless and does not imply careful learning.
explore options
The adviser helped the family explore options before naming a preference.
explore the area
Visitors can explore the area on a marked low-impact trail.
explore further
One surprising result gave the team reason to explore further.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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