Nearby Words
verb (used without object)
1.
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate: to delve into the issue of prison reform.
2.
Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.
verb (used with object)
3.
Archaic. to dig; excavate.
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Delve
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
| to flee; abscond: |
Origin:
before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban
before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban
Related forms
delv·er, noun
un·delved, adjective
Synonyms
1. research, inquire, probe, examine, explore.
1. research, inquire, probe, examine, explore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To delve
Example Sentences
- Geologists delve into their prehistoric records.
- His dry, precisely enunciated singing doesn't delve into the psychological murk of lyrics.
- In a way, if you delve deep enough into history, you can study just about anything under its umbrella.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
delve
O.E. delfan "to dig" (class III strong verb; past tense dealf, pp. dolfen), common W.Gmc. verb with cognates in Slavic. Weak inflections emerged 14c.-16c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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