Delve
Pronunciation
- IPA: /dɛlv/
- Rhymes: -ɛlv
Origin
From Middle English delven, from Old English delfan ("to dig, dig out, burrow, bury"), from Proto-Germanic *delbanÄ…, from Proto-Indo-European *dÊ°elbÊ°- ("to dig"). Compare Dutch delven.
Full definition of delve
Verb
- (intransitive) To dig the ground, especially with a shovel.
- 1381, John BallWhen Adam dalf and Eve span,
Who was then a gentleman? - DrydenDelve of convenient depth your thrashing floor.
- Bronte Wuthering|XXIXI got a spade from the tool-house, and began to delve with all my might - it scraped the coffin; I fell to work with my hands; the wood commenced cracking about the screws; I was on the point of attaining my object, when it seemed that I heard a sigh from some one above, close at the edge of the grave, and bending down.
- (ambitransitive) To search thoroughly and carefully for information, research, dig into, penetrate, fathom, trace out
- 1609-11, Shakespeare, Cymbeline, King of BritainI cannot delve him to the root.
- 1943, Emile C. Tepperman, Calling Justice, Inc.!She was intensely eager to delve into the mystery of Mr. Joplin and his brief case.
- (ambitransitive) To dig, to excavate.
- ca. 1260, Jacobus de Voragine, The Golden LegendAnd then they made an oratory behind the altar, and would have dolven for to have laid the body in that oratory ...
- 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company, chapter IVLet him take off his plates and delve himself, if delving must be done.
Synonyms
- (to dig the ground) dig
- (to search thoroughly) investigate, research