exploratory
UK: ɪkˈsplɒrətəri | US: ɪkˈsplɔːrətɔːri
adj. relating to or involving exploration or investigation
adj. preliminary or tentative in nature
exploratory = explore<investigate> + atory<adjective suffix>
- explore: From Latin explorare ("to investigate, search out"), combining ex- (out) + plorare (to cry out, lament). Over time, the meaning shifted from "crying out to discover" to "systematic investigation."
- atory: A suffix forming adjectives, derived from Latin -atorius, indicating a relationship to the action of the verb (e.g., preparatory, mandatory).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin explorare, originally used in hunting contexts ("to scout by shouting"). By the 16th century, it evolved into English with a focus on methodical inquiry, later adopting the suffix -atory to describe actions or qualities (e.g., exploratory surgery). The progression reflects a shift from physical search to abstract investigation.
The team conducted exploratory research to identify potential solutions.
Exploratory drilling confirmed the presence of oil reserves.
The meeting was purely exploratory, with no decisions made.
She wrote an exploratory essay on climate change impacts.
Exploratory data analysis revealed unexpected patterns.