Reading Theme:
Delve: Meaning, Usage, and Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：investigate deeply (delve)
delve
/dɛlv/
v.
To carefully study and explore a complex topic to understand it deeply.
investigate deeply
➕
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt ˈdiːpli/
v.
To engage in thorough examination or exploration of a complex subject to gain profound understanding.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old English 'delfan', meaning 'to dig', related to the action of excavation or deep search.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'delve' as digging deep into a topic, like a miner delving into a mine for hidden treasures.
📖 Example
To understand the culture better, she decided to delve into ancient history books at the library.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, she chose to thoroughly investigate ancient history books at the library.
🔗 Collocations
delve into – to investigate or explore something in depth
delve deep into – to explore something very thoroughly
🔄 Synonyms
explore (v.) – to travel through or examine an area or subject in detail
investigate (v.) – to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover facts
probe (v.) – to inquire deeply into something to uncover information
🚫 Antonyms
skim (v.) – to read or look over quickly and superficially
glance over (v. phrase) – to look at something briefly without deep attention
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'delve' originates from Old English 'delfan', which meant 'to dig'. Historically used for physical digging, it evolved metaphorically to mean exploring or investigating deeply. In modern English, it is frequently used in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts to describe thorough research or analysis.
Meaning 2：search by hand (delve)
delve
/dɛlv/
v.
To search by putting your hands into a space and moving things around to find something.
search by hand
➕
/sɜːrtʃ baɪ hænd/
v.
To physically search for something by reaching into a container or space and moving items around with hands.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He had to delve deep into his old toy box to find his favorite childhood photo.
He needed to search by hand deep inside his old toy box to locate his favorite childhood photograph.
🔗 Collocations
delve into – to search inside something using hands
delve around – to search by moving hands around within a space
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
leave untouched (v. phrase) – to not search or disturb something
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