WordGarden.iosearch
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɜːtʃ/
US
- /ˈsɜrtʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to try to find someone or something by looking carefully
to look for information online or in a digital system
to inspect a person, place, or property for hidden items or evidence, especially by authority
Noun
an act or attempt to find someone or something
an online or in-app lookup for information
an official inspection of a person, place, or property to find evidence or hidden items
Beyond the definition
To search means to try to find something by looking carefully. You might search your house for lost keys or search the internet for information about a topic. The word suggests effort and a wish to find something hidden or unknown. Sometimes a search does not bring any result - you can search in vain if what you want is truly gone. A detective may search for clues, while a scientist may search for a cure. Searching is not always physical; you can also search your feelings to understand why you feel a certain way.
The word "search" describes the act of trying to find something, whether it is a lost object, information, or even understanding. It usually suggests a deliberate effort and a careful look. For example: "Police searched the building for evidence," or "She spent hours searching online for the perfect gift."
A search is not always successful; you can search high and low without finding what you want. The effort can vary, from a quick look to a long and careful investigation.
Beyond physical searches, "search" also has more abstract meanings. You might search your conscience to determine the right course of action, or search for meaning in life's experiences. In the digital age, "search" is synonymous with using search engines like Google – typing keywords into a box and hoping to uncover relevant information. This has expanded the word's usage significantly!
Historically, "search" traces its origins through Middle English to Old French words related to wandering through or exploring. It carries a sense of persistence and determination. Whether you are looking for your wallet under the couch cushions or trying to gain knowledge over many years, "search" expresses the human drive to find what is lost or unknown.
Examples
- 1
Looking for items
We searched the kitchen for my glasses.
- 2
Security check
Security searched our bags at the airport.
- 3
Online search
I searched online for a good dentist.
- 4
Looking through
She searched through the drawer for the receipt.
- Patternsearch through + place/container
look carefully in every part of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Website filters
On this website, you can search by date or topic.
- Patternsearch by + category
use that category to narrow the results
- 6
Before buying
I did a quick search before I bought the laptop.
- 7
Housing
The search for a new apartment took longer than we expected.
- 8
Life direction
Even after college, he was still searching for a sense of direction.
- 9
Life change
In search of a quieter life, they moved to a small town.
- Phrasein search of
trying to find
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- searchnounverb
Forms
- searching-ing formverbnoun
- searchedpast tenseverbnoun
- searchespluralnounverb