Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Probe Definition: Investigate Deeply or Examine with an Instrument (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：investigate deeply (probe)

probe 🔊

/proʊb/

To ask very detailed questions to find out hidden information, like a detective or reporter.

Detective probing documents with magnifying glass for deep investigation

investigate deeply 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt ˈdiːpli/

To conduct a thorough and detailed investigation by asking pointed questions, often to uncover secrets or hidden facts.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'proba' (test) + verb suffix, via Old French 'prover' (to test).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'P-R-O-B-E' as 'Prying Right Out the Bare Evidence'.

📖 Example

The journalist decided to probe deeper into the company's financial records to uncover the truth. 🔊 The journalist decided to probe deeper into the company's financial records to uncover the truth.

🔗 Collocations

probe into – investigate thoroughly

probe deeply – examine with great depth

probe for answers – seek explanations through questioning

🔄 Synonyms

investigate (v.) – To examine systematically, often to uncover facts.

scrutinize (v.) – To examine closely and critically.

examine (v.) – To inspect or study in detail.

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To refuse to pay attention to.

neglect (v.) – To fail to care for or attend to properly.

🌱 Derivatives

probing (adj.) – Inquisitive or penetrating in nature.

prober (n.) – One who investigates or examines.

probative (adj.) – Serving to test or prove; providing evidence.

📖 Cultural Story

Probe originates from Latin 'probare' (to test, prove), linked to 'probus' (good). In medieval surgery, it denoted a tool for examining wounds; later, journalism adopted it metaphorically for deep investigation.

Meaning 2：examine with an instrument (probe)

probe 🔊

/proʊb/

To physically examine or search inside something using a thin tool or instrument.

Doctor probing patient ear with otoscope for medical examination

examine with an instrument 🔊

➕

/ɪɡˈzæmɪn wɪð ən ˈɪnstrəmənt/

To use a thin, often pointed tool to explore or examine the inside of something, especially a body cavity or a narrow space.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The doctor used a small, lighted instrument to probe the patient's ear canal gently. 🔊 The doctor used a small, lighted instrument to probe the patient's ear canal gently.

🔗 Collocations

probe a wound – examine a wound with a tool

probe the depths – explore the deepest parts

probe with a needle – use a needle to explore or extract

🔄 Synonyms

examine (v.) – To inspect or look at closely.

explore (v.) – To travel through or investigate thoroughly.

inspect (v.) – To look at carefully, especially for flaws.

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To disregard deliberately.

avoid (v.) – To keep away from.

🌱 Derivatives

probing (adj.) – Tending to examine or explore.

prober (n.) – A tool or person that probes.

probative (adj.) – Providing evidence or proof.