exploration
eks-ploh-RAY-shun
/ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən/
The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it; in energy, the search for new oil, gas, or mineral deposits.
In the oil industry, 'exploration' is the high-risk, high-reward phase before any extraction begins.
The story behind the word. A fascinating origin: 'plorare' means 'to cry out'. Ancient hunters would 'cry out' to flush game out of the woods. Thus, exploration was originally the act of making noise to see what was hiding in the brush.
Word relationships
- investigation: Investigation is more about facts or crimes; exploration is about physical space or new frontiers.
- prospecting: Prospecting is specifically searching for gold or minerals.
Commonly confused with
- discovery: Exploration is the act of searching; discovery is the result of finding something.
Word family
- explore (verb): To search or travel through.
- explorer (noun): A person who explores.
Collocations
- oil exploration
- space exploration
- exploration phase
- geological exploration
Example sentences
- "Oil companies are spending billions on Arctic exploration despite the environmental risks." Energy Industry
- "Space exploration has led to many technological breakthroughs that we use on Earth." Space Science
Memory hook
Explorers 'EX-PLORE' (shout out) to find what's hidden. Shouting out the truth.
When not to use
Don't use it for looking for your keys. Use it for systematic searching of unknown territories or data.
Fun facts
- The same root 'plorare' gives us 'deplore'—to cry out in grief or disapproval.
Related words
Explore more words
reconnaissance, uncharted, venture, discovery, intrepid, expedition
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.