WordGarden.iodelve
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɛlv/
US
- /ˈdɛlv/
Meanings
Verb
to investigate or explore something deeply
to search around inside something for an item
Beyond the definition
Imagine an archaeologist carefully delving into the earth, brushing away layers of dirt to uncover ancient secrets. That's a good picture of what "delve" means – to explore something deeply and thoroughly. You don't just skim the surface; you dig in! It can be used literally, like delving into a mine for gold, or figuratively, like delving into a complex topic to understand it better. If your friend is obsessed with Victorian literature, they might delve into dusty old books for hours.
To delve means to investigate something thoroughly and carefully, often by exploring its details or hidden aspects. It suggests going beyond the surface level and immersing yourself in a subject, place, or experience. Think of it as a focused, determined search – not just looking at something, but actively digging into it.
Originally, "delve" referred to digging for minerals, like coal or ore. This literal meaning still exists: "The miners delved deep into the earth." However, over time, its use expanded to encompass more abstract explorations.
You might delve into a historical archive to research your family history, delve into the complexities of quantum physics, or even delve into your own memories to understand past experiences. It implies effort and a desire for deeper understanding. A writer might delve into the motivations of their characters, while a detective would delve into clues to solve a mystery.
Unlike simply "look at" or "examine," "delve" suggests a prolonged and intensive investigation. It's about getting your hands dirty – metaphorically speaking – and uncovering what lies beneath. So if you're ready to truly understand something, prepare to delve!
Examples
- 1
Documentary
The documentary delves into how the town changed after the factory closed.
- Patterndelve into + topic
examine or investigate it in detail
- 2
Research
Before writing the article, she spent weeks delving into court records and old interviews.
- 3
Class discussion
In class, we delved deeper into the causes of the war.
- Patterndelve deeper into + topic
examine it in more detail
- 4
Business analysis
The book delves into why so many small businesses fail in their first year.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investigative reporting
Reporters began delving into the minister's financial history after the scandal broke.
- 6
Personal privacy
I don't want to delve too far into his private life.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- delveverb
Forms
- delving-ing formverb
- delvesverb
- delvedpast tenseverb