explore
To examine or investigate options without commitment
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's explore a few vendor options before making a decision.”
Over coffee
“We should explore some new restaurants in the neighborhood.”
Why this word
examine
Explore suggests open-ended investigation of possibilities, while examine implies focused scrutiny of known objects
investigate
Explore is broader discovery-oriented search, while investigate targets specific questions or suspicions
search
Explore emphasizes discovering the unknown, while search implies looking for something specific
Usage tip
Perfect for suggesting investigation without pressure to decide; signals openness to discovery
Etymology
Latin 'explorare' from 'ex-' (out) + 'plorare' (to cry out, search out)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system