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probing

probing

11 4.7
A careful investigation to find the truth
  • noun
  • /ˈproʊbɪŋ/
translation icon : investigación
  • In random cases, these evaluations were followed up with further probing of the issue of trust.
  • probing questions
  • further probing

Examples

  • By involving early adolescents with probing, thoughtful questions, teachers serve both their classes and democracy.

    Academic text (1999)
  • And no matter how much probing Dylan did, he couldn't get at a better answer.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Such questions are followed by additional probing questions, such as "Why do you think so?"

    Academic text (1999)
  • Higher rates were reported in studies that allowed for maximum probing of the respondents.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The questions and probing were spontaneous and always related to the music experience.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Passive learners typically do not ask probing, challenging, or extending questions.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Often, participants specifically discussed contributing factor identification only after probing by the moderator.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The semistructured nature of the interview protocol allowed for exploratory probing and further questioning when necessary.

    Academic text (2003)
  • As appropriate, interviewers followed up on participants' responses, asking for clarification or explanation and probing for rationale.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The detective conducted a thorough probing of the evidence to uncover the truth behind the case.

Synonyms

investigation
vsprobing
2.9

A careful search for the truth about something

is a careful search that is less formal and more information focused
analysis
vsprobing
3.4

Careful study of something by breaking it into parts to understand

focuses more on discovering facts than on breaking things into parts
inquiry
vsprobing
  • Formal
322 4.4

An official investigation into a serious public matter

is a careful search used in many contexts, not only official cases
scrutiny
vsprobing
168 5.5

A close, careful look at something to find mistakes or problems

is a careful examination but more about finding information than fault alone
examination
vsprobing
110 2.3

Careful study of something to find problems or details

is aimed more at uncovering information or truth than only spotting problems
survey
vsprobing
97 2.8

An inspection in which someone looks carefully to check condition

is a more active search for truth rather than a general visual check
exploration
vsprobing
49 3.3

To study a subject carefully to learn more about it

is more targeted toward uncovering specific information or truth
deep dive
vsprobing
  • Jargon
8 4.1

A detailed look at a topic to learn more about it

is similar depthwise but focuses on finding facts rather than extended analysis
thorough analysis
vsprobing
3 3.5

A careful study that looks at all parts of something

is focused on seeking information rather than producing a full detailed study
ascertainment
vsprobing
1 7.1

The process of finding out if something is true

is the investigative process itself rather than only the act of confirming results
scrutinization
vsprobing
  • US
7.2

A careful, close look at something to find small details

is similar but emphasizes finding information rather than only close attention
analyzation
vsprobing
  • US
5.0

A careful study of something in detail to understand it

is more about uncovering information than analysing structure or parts

How Thorough

probing
11 4.7
investigation
2.9
inquiry
245 3.9
inspection
  • Formal
356 2.5

Surface Forms

probing singular
probes plural

Morphology

probing = probe (transparent) = probe + ing

The noun is a regular verbal noun/gerund built directly from probe + -ing, and the meaning is straightforwardly related to investigation.

Etymology

Probing as a noun comes from the Latin probare meaning 'to test', the same root as the everyday word prove. So a probing is like a careful 'test' or search to find facts or the truth.