Digging up Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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digging up

[ˈdɪɡɪŋ ʌp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To dig up means to remove something from the ground by digging. It can also refer to uncovering information or facts that were previously unknown.

Synonyms

excavate, uncover, unearth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
digging up	Informal and common usage, often used when talking about finding something by digging in the ground. It’s used in casual conversations. We spent the afternoon digging up potatoes in the garden
excavate	Formal context, typically used in archaeology or construction, to describe a meticulous and systematic process of removing earth to find buried items. Archaeologists will start to excavate the ancient ruins next week
unearth	Often used in a formal or literary context, it implies discovering something valuable or rare that has been hidden or buried. The researchers managed to unearth a long-lost manuscript
uncover	General use, suitable for both formal and informal situations, often used metaphorically to describe revealing hidden information or objects. The investigation helped uncover the cause of the accident

Examples of usage

He was digging up the garden to plant some flowers.
The journalist spent months digging up information for the article.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

In informal usage, 'digging up' can refer to researching or looking for information, typically in archives or databases.

Synonyms

investigating, researching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
digging up	This phrase is often used when you're searching for something that has been hidden or forgotten, and it sometimes has a negative connotation, implying that something unpleasant or controversial is being uncovered. The journalist was digging up old scandals about the politician. They spent the weekend digging up the garden to plant new flowers.
researching	This term is typically used in academic or scientific contexts where careful study and extensive data collection are involved. He is researching the history of medieval Europe for his thesis. The scientists are researching new treatments for cancer.
investigating	This word is commonly used in formal or professional settings, such as police work or research, where systematic and detailed examination is required. The police are investigating the robbery that occurred last night. She is investigating the effects of climate change on local wildlife.

Word

Description / Examples

digging up

This phrase is often used when you're searching for something that has been hidden or forgotten, and it sometimes has a negative connotation, implying that something unpleasant or controversial is being uncovered.

The journalist was digging up old scandals about the politician.
They spent the weekend digging up the garden to plant new flowers.

researching

This term is typically used in academic or scientific contexts where careful study and extensive data collection are involved.

He is researching the history of medieval Europe for his thesis.
The scientists are researching new treatments for cancer.

investigating

This word is commonly used in formal or professional settings, such as police work or research, where systematic and detailed examination is required.

The police are investigating the robbery that occurred last night.
She is investigating the effects of climate change on local wildlife.

Examples of usage

I spent hours digging up old records for my project.
The detective was digging up clues to solve the mystery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'digging up'

The phrase 'digging up' originates from the combination of the verb 'dig' and the preposition 'up', which has been used to indicate the action of excavating or revealing something hidden. This expression has been used in various contexts, from literal digging in the ground to metaphorical uncovering of information.