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View synonyms for delve

delve

[ delv ]

verb (used without object)

, delved, delv·ing.
  1. to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate:

    to delve into the issue of prison reform.

    Synonyms: explore, examine, probe, inquire, research

  2. Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.


verb (used with object)

, delved, delv·ing.
  1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

delve

/ dɛlv /

verb

  1. to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc)

    he delved in the Bible for quotations

  2. to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)
  3. (esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)
  4. archaic.
    also tr to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade


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Derived Forms

  • ˈdelver, noun

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Other Words From

  • delver noun
  • un·delved adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of delve1

First recorded before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban

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Word History and Origins

Origin of delve1

Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel

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Example Sentences

He and Mathew Crowther, an ecologist at the University of Sydney, delved into museum collections of dingo skulls, collected from across three areas that have been exposed to 1080 for about 50 to 60 years, and one region where baiting is banned.

Rowan Moore Gerety delves into why America’s once-vibrant manufacturing sector, which switched nimbly to a war footing in the 1940s, now can’t churn out enough masks and equipment to keep citizens safe.

Its app has videos and interactive books that teach not just the obvious subjects, like phonics and math, but also delve into music and social awareness.

From Ozy

In early July, the company launched a Canticos Bilingual Preschool app, replete with videos and interactive books that teach not just the obvious subjects, like phonics and math, but also delve into music and social awareness.

From Ozy

Researchers have since found many examples of physiological arousal leading to emotional arousal, but they wanted to delve deeper into that link.

But what he doesn't do much of—and this is refreshing—is delve into the humungous What Does It All Mean?

Or they can try the Ron Wyden approach and use their resources to craft policy and delve into the operation of government.

Some delve into city infrastructure—subway tunnels, bridges, even sewers.

Lewis attempts to delve into why Benson is a detective – citing possibly father issues (if only he knew).

It would work crossword puzzles or play Solitaire, while the Big Mind would delve deep into the subjects I wanted to write about.

It is best not to dig and delve for a meaning, Miss Tessa; society sanctions many phrases that you would not speak in sincerity.

The more you delve into the religions of the Americans the more anomalies you find.

While thus equipping myself to become a brain merchant, it was inevitable that I should delve into sociology.

It would be no unamusing task for an antiquary with human instincts to dig and delve until he had re-peopled every residence.

No unexpected call could come to him, no fingers delve into the purse that he might now keep privately to himself.

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