Word: Probe
Part of Speech: Noun and Verb
Definition:
A "probe" can refer to a flexible surgical instrument that doctors use to explore injuries or areas inside the body. It helps them see or understand what is happening inside.
It can also mean an investigation or inquiry into something that is not fully understood or is questionable. For example, if there is a scandal, a group might conduct a "probe" to find out what really happened.
Usage Instructions:
Examples:
Noun: The doctor used a probe to check for any injuries inside the wound.
Noun: The government launched a probe into the company’s financial activities after the allegations of fraud.
Verb: The scientist decided to probe the soil to learn more about its composition.
Verb: The journalist probed the politician with tough questions about the recent scandal.
Advanced Usage:
In medical contexts, "probe" can refer to specific types of instruments designed for particular procedures, such as "ultrasound probes" or "surgical probes."
In legal or investigative contexts, "probe" can refer to a formal inquiry, like a "federal probe" or "criminal probe," indicating a serious investigation.
Word Variants:
Probed (verb): past tense of probe.
Probing (verb): present participle of probe.
Prober (noun): someone who probes or investigates.
Different Meanings:
In a scientific context, "probe" can also refer to a device used to gather data from outer space, like a "space probe."
In everyday language, "to probe" can be used metaphorically to mean to dig deeper into a subject, such as "probing a topic in a discussion."
Synonyms:
For the noun: instrument, explorer, inquiry, examination.
For the verb: investigate, examine, explore, question, inspect.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Probe into: To investigate or look deeply into something (e.g., "The detective probed into the suspect's background.").
Probe for answers: To seek information or clarification on a topic (e.g., "She probed for answers about the new policy changes.").