reconnaissance
UK: rɪˈkɒnɪsəns | US: rɪˈkɑːnɪsəns
n. the act of gathering information about an enemy or a potential target, especially for military purposes
n. a preliminary survey or exploration of an area, often for scientific or strategic purposes
The word "reconnaissance" originates from French, derived from the verb "reconnaître" (to recognize or survey). It combines "re-" (again) + "connaître" (to know), reflecting the idea of "knowing again" or "examining thoroughly." The suffix "-ance" turns it into a noun, formalizing the act of gathering knowledge. Initially used in military contexts, it later expanded to scientific and exploratory fields.
The army sent a team on a reconnaissance mission to scout enemy positions.
Geological reconnaissance revealed valuable mineral deposits in the region.
The drone conducted aerial reconnaissance over the disaster zone.
Early explorers relied on reconnaissance to map uncharted territories.
The police performed reconnaissance before raiding the suspect's hideout.