exploration

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən/ 🇺🇸 /ˌɛksplɜrˈeɪʃən/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The act of exploring or traveling through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it or discover new information.; A thorough investigation or examination of a subject, topic, or idea.; The act of searching for natural resources such as oil, gas, or minerals in a particular area.; A physical examination of a part of the body, especially by probing or palpation, for diagnostic purposes.; The act of testing or trying out new possibilities, methods, or approaches.; A journey or expedition undertaken for the purpose of discovery, especially in space or uncharted territories.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: explorations

Collocations

space explorationoil explorationexploration ofin exploration ofexploration and exploitationdeep-sea exploration

Derivatives

exploreexplorerexploratoryexplorativeunexploredreexploration

Synonyms

investigationexaminationsurveyprobequestexpeditionreconnaissance

Commonly confused

expedition
EN: 'Expedition' refers to a specific journey or voyage undertaken for a purpose; 'exploration' refers more broadly to the act or process of discovering and examining.
investigation
EN: 'Investigation' implies a systematic inquiry into facts or a problem; 'exploration' emphasizes discovery and venturing into the unknown.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'exploration' retains the 'a' from the suffix '-ation' (not '-etion'), and note the single 'r' despite 'explore' ending in 'e' before the suffix.

💬 Examples

  1. The exploration of the Amazon rainforest revealed many previously unknown species.

  2. Her latest book is an exploration of the human condition in the modern world.

  3. The company invested millions in oil exploration off the coast of West Africa.

  4. The surgeon performed an exploration of the abdominal cavity to locate the source of bleeding.

  5. The artist's exploration of new media led to a groundbreaking series of digital installations.

  6. Space exploration has been a priority for many nations since the mid-twentieth century.