probe

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To question or examine something closely in order to find out the truth.

   Grammar: Takes an object (probe the cause) or is used alone with into: probe into his past.

   Patterns

   • probe something
   • probe into something

   Reporters probed the minister about the missing funds.

   Detectives are probing the cause of the fire.

   The author probes deeply into questions of identity.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitive

   To touch or explore something with a thin tool or finger to find out what is there.

   Grammar: Often with a tool as the means: probe the wound with a rod.

   Patterns

   • probe something with something

   The doctor gently probed the swollen ankle.

   He probed the dark crack with a stick.

   Divers probed the wreck with long poles.

3. 3nouncountable

   A formal investigation into a matter, especially by an official body.

   Grammar: Common in headlines: a probe into corruption.

   Patterns

   • a probe into something

   Parliament launched a probe into the contract.

   The probe found no evidence of fraud.

   A federal probe is under way.

4. 4nouncountabletechnical

   A device or unmanned craft sent to gather information, such as a space probe or a medical instrument.

   Grammar: Often with a modifier: space probe, temperature probe.

   Patterns

   • a probe to somewhere

   The space probe sent back pictures of Mars.

   Insert the probe into the soil to read its moisture.

   A tiny camera probe was passed through the pipe.

Word forms

Common combinations

launch a probe

The agency launched a probe into the data leak.

probe deeper

Journalists probed deeper into the scandal.

space probe

The space probe reached Jupiter.

probe into

Police probed into his finances.

probing question

She asked a probing question about the budget.

Synonyms and how they differ

investigate

Investigate is the neutral, more general word, whereas probe suggests digging deeper for hidden facts.

explore

Explore can be casual and open-ended, but probe aims at a specific hidden answer.

poke

Poke is purely physical and rough, while probe is more careful and purposeful.

scrutinize

Scrutinize means looking at something very closely, while probe also includes asking or testing.

Opposites

Word family

probing adjective

searching and thorough

probingly adverb

in a searching way

prober noun

someone who probes, rare

probe noun

an investigation or a device

Commonly confused: probe or prob?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “probe”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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