explorar
verbCEFR B2
What does “explorar” mean in English?
to explore, to examine
to explore, to examine (intellectual investigation; explorar las implicaciones, alternativas, la relación entre)
Example sentences
El ensayo explora las contradicciones entre el discurso oficial y la experiencia cotidiana de los ciudadanos.
The essay explores the contradictions between the official discourse and the everyday experience of citizens.
El comité ha decidido explorar todas las opciones disponibles antes de tomar una decisión definitiva.
The committee has decided to explore all available options before making a definitive decision.
La novela explora cómo la identidad cultural se construye y se negocia en contextos migratorios.
The novel explores how cultural identity is constructed and negotiated in migratory contexts.
How to use it
Explorar means 'to explore' — both physical exploration and intellectual investigation. At B2 the intellectual sense dominates: explorar las implicaciones, explorar alternativas, explorar la relación entre. It takes a direct object. The noun is la exploración. Don't confuse with investigar (to research/investigate — implies a structured methodology and a search for truth) — explorar is broader and more open-ended; it can mean to probe, consider, or map a conceptual space without necessarily resolving it.
Common mistake
Explorar is typically intellectual or conceptual at B2 — don't limit it to geographic exploration. Explorar cómo / si / qué (followed by indicative) is a productive B2 pattern for academic writing. Distinguish from investigar (more rigorous, evidence-based inquiry) and indagar (to inquire into — more informal or journalistic).