delve
[ delv ]
/ dɛlv /
verb (used without object), delved, delv·ing.
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate: to delve into the issue of prison reform.
Archaic.
to dig, as with a spade.
verb (used with object), delved, delv·ing.
Archaic.
to dig; excavate.
Origin of delve
before 900; Middle English
delven, Old English
delfan; cognate with Dutch
delven, Old High German
telban
OTHER WORDS FROM delve
delv·er, noun un·delved, adjectiveWords nearby delve
delusive,
delusterant,
delustering,
deluxe,
delvaux,
delve,
dely.,
dem,
dem.,
demagnetize,
demagogic
Example sentences from the Web for delve
British Dictionary definitions for delve
delve
/ (dɛlv) /
verb (mainly intr; often foll by in or into)
to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc)
he delved in the Bible for quotations
to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)
(esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)
(also tr) archaic, or dialect
to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade
Derived forms of delve
delver, nounWord Origin for delve
Old English
delfan; related to Old High German
telban to dig, Russian
dolbit to hollow out with a chisel