delve
Meaning: To investigate or research something thoroughly and in detail, especially by searching deeply into records, archives, or complex subject matter.
Delve almost always collocates with 'into' — one delves into a topic, a mystery, or a collection of documents. It suggests sustained, purposeful investigation rather than casual browsing, and implies going beneath the surface to discover what is hidden or overlooked. The word is favoured by journalists and academics and appears frequently in broadsheet features and book reviews. Its original sense of physical digging survives in literary and dialectal English.
Examples
- The documentary delves into the murky world of offshore finance and its links to organised crime. 这部纪录片深入探究了离岸金融的黑暗世界及其与有组织犯罪的关联。El documental profundiza en el turbio mundo de las finanzas offshore y sus vínculos con el crimen organizado.そのドキュメンタリーは、オフショア金融の闇の世界と組織犯罪とのつながりを深く掘り下げている。그 다큐멘터리는 역외 금융의 어두운 세계와 조직 범죄와의 연관성을 깊이 파헤치고 있다.
- Researchers have delved into parish records dating back to the 17th century to trace patterns of migration. 研究人员深入查阅了可追溯至17世纪的教区记录,以追踪人口迁移模式。Los investigadores han indagado en registros parroquiales que se remontan al siglo XVII para rastrear patrones migratorios.研究者たちは17世紀にまで遡る教区記録を精査し、移住のパターンを追跡した。연구자들은 17세기까지 거슬러 올라가는 교구 기록을 정밀하게 조사하여 이주 패턴을 추적했다.
- Her latest book delves into the psychological pressures faced by elite athletes in the lead-up to major competitions. 她的最新著作深入探讨了精英运动员在重大赛事前夕所面临的心理压力。Su último libro ahonda en las presiones psicológicas que sufren los deportistas de élite en las semanas previas a las grandes competiciones.彼女の最新の著書は、大会直前にエリート選手が直面する心理的重圧を深く掘り下げている。그녀의 최신 저서는 주요 대회를 앞두고 엘리트 선수들이 직면하는 심리적 압박을 깊이 파고든다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, literary
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English delfan (to dig, excavate), of Germanic origin. The figurative sense of investigating thoroughly developed in the 16th century, gradually overtaking the literal meaning of digging in the ground.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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