search
This word carries a sense of systematic investigation or rigorous scrutiny. It suggests a purposeful, often exhaustive effort to uncover something that is not immediately visible, whether it is a physical object in a room or a piece of data in a digital archive.
While "look for" is casual and general, "search" implies a higher level of intensity or a formalized process. It often evokes a feeling of urgency or authority, such as in legal warrants or emergency rescue operations.
Countable when referring to a specific instance of looking, like a police search. Uncountable when referring to the general activity of seeking information.
💬Casual Conversation
I'm doing a deep-dive search for your charger. Where's it at?
I'm doing a deep-dive search for your charger. Where's it at?
it's literally right there. stop capping.
it's literally right there. stop capping.
Meanings
To examine a place, person, or object carefully to find something hidden or lost.
The police began to search the building for evidence.
Examples
The customs officer will search your luggage before you enter the country.
The rescue team continued to search throughout the night for the hikers.
The police conducted a thorough search of the suspect's apartment.
Phrasal Verbs
search for
to look for someone or something specifically
They spent the entire afternoon searching for the lost dog in the woods.
search out
to find something through a deliberate and thorough effort
She decided to search out the best antique shops in the city.
search through
to examine a collection of items or a space carefully
I had to search through a mountain of paperwork to find the contract.