Meaning & use
search blindly
Last updated
UK/sɜːtʃ ˈblaɪndli/
US/sɜːrtʃ ˈblaɪndli/
Meaning
phraseintransitive
To look for something without clear direction, information, or a plan.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'for' or 'through'.
Patterns
- search blindly for something
- search blindly through something
- search blindly in the dark
Without a map, we searched blindly for the exit.
He searched blindly through the files, hoping to find the letter.
She searched blindly for her keys in the dark room.
Word forms
| third person singular | searches blindly |
|---|---|
| past tense | searched blindly |
| past participle | searched blindly |
| -ing form | searching blindly |
Common combinations
- search blindly for
- They searched blindly for the missing piece of the puzzle.
- search blindly through
- I searched blindly through the pile of papers.
- search blindly in the dark
- We had to search blindly in the dark after the power went out.
Synonyms and how they differ
- grope
- Often suggests using your hands to feel your way, while 'search blindly' can be more general.
- fumble
- Focuses on clumsy or awkward movements, not just lack of direction.
Opposites
search systematically
Word family
Practice
Which sentence uses 'search blindly' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Search blindly' is intransitive and is followed by 'for' to indicate what you are looking for. Option 0 is missing 'for'. Option 2 uses 'at', which is not correct here. Option 3 is missing 'for' and the preposition.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “search blindly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.