to reconnoiter
4
9.2
- verb
- /ˌrɛkəˈnɔɪtər/
- Specialized
:
reconocer
- We also have to consider the fact that McCormick was probably reconnoitering drop-off points all along the coast.
Examples
-
I sent a patrol to reconnoiter.
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I decided to use the time to reconnoiter, maybe do a little research and reading at the local library, and maybe take some photos.
Fiction book (1996) -
We'll go out and reconnoiter and be back as soon as we can.
-
After I reconnoiter the event, I start to take pictures.
Academic text (1994) -
Now, our first step is to reconnoiter.
-
Go out there and reconnoiter.
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Then I sent out scouts to reconnoiter.
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American soldiers are reconnoitering this field.
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In planning an operation, Groat says he would normally reconnoiter the target personally.
Blog text (28) -
The commander instructed the troops to reconnoiter the area ahead for any enemy positions.
Synonyms
77
3.3
To go ahead and explore a place to find something or information
3
7.0
To look around an area to find information before fighting
How Thoroughly
∞
2.8
97
2.8
- Specialized
4
9.2
77
3.3
552
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
reconnoiter = re + connoiter
Although historically analyzable as re- + connoiter, the base 'connoiter' is not a productive or familiar standalone English word and the specialized sense 'survey for information' is not transparently derivable by an average learner.
Etymology
Reconnoiter comes from older French and Latin words meaning 'know again', and you can see the same idea in recognize and the simple verb know. So to reconnoiter is to go and 'know' a place before you act, often to check it for danger or to find something.