delve
/delv/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈɛlv] /delv/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈɛlv] /ˈdelv/ (ame, mw)
delve — verb
- delvepresent simple I / you / we / they
- delveshe / she / it
- delvedpast simple
- delving-ing form
1. to search for information about a subject by examining it closely, going beyond
to search for information about a subject by examining it closely, going beyond surface-level facts
Heather decided to delve into her family's history after finding an old photograph.
delve into [topic/history/subject]
The journalist delved into government records to uncover the truth about the scandal.
Sahil's latest book delves into the reasons why cities grow so quickly in developing countries.
Before the report, Joon delved deep into the company's financial data from the past decade.
The documentary delves into the lives of families living in Nepal's remote mountain villages.
- investigate
more formal and systematic; often used in legal or scientific settings
- explore
broader in scope; can include physical travel as well as intellectual inquiry
- probe
suggests a more careful or intrusive examination, often of a sensitive matter
- skim
to read or examine quickly without depth
文法句型
delve into [subject/question/issue]
用法筆記
Commonly used in academic, journalistic, and historical contexts. The phrase 'delve deep into' adds emphasis on thoroughness. Can also be used in the continuous form ('is delving into').
常見錯誤
2. to put your hand into a bag, drawer, or other space, moving things around while
to put your hand into a bag, drawer, or other space, moving things around while trying to locate something specific
Amelia delved into her backpack, feeling for the car keys in the dark.
delve into [container] for physical search
Caleb watched the gardener delve into the soil with his bare hands.
Erik delved into the old toy chest looking for his favorite childhood action figure.
The cat delved into the laundry basket, searching for a warm place to sleep.
文法句型
delve into [container/surface]
用法筆記
Always followed by a preposition — usually 'into' or 'in' — before the container or surface. This verb is intransitive, so it never takes a direct object.
常見錯誤
delve — noun
1. a deep hole or hollow space in the ground, larger than a simple depression
a deep hole or hollow space in the ground, larger than a simple depression
The hikers discovered a narrow delve hidden behind a curtain of ivy and ferns.
Local legend says the delve was a hiding place for bandits in the 1800s.
rare noun: archaeological/geological context
The old map marked three deep delves near the northern edge of the forest.
Geologists believe the delve was formed by an underground river thousands of years ago.
用法筆記
This noun sense is archaic and very rare in modern English. You are far more likely to encounter delve as a verb. When used as a noun, it typically appears in historical or geological writing.