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Ferreting: meaning, definitions and examples

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ferreting

 

[ ˈfɛr.ɪ.tɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

searching thoroughly

To ferret means to search for something in a determined and often very thorough manner. It typically involves rummaging through various items or sources to find the desired object or information. The term can also imply uncovering hidden or hard-to-find details. This action is often associated with investigation or exploration, where one seeks to clarify or resolve a particular issue. The phrase 'ferreting out' is commonly used to describe this form of diligent searching.

Synonyms

digging, hunting, searching, sifting

Examples of usage

  • She spent hours ferreting through old boxes for family photos.
  • The journalist was ferreting out the truth behind the scandal.
  • He ferreted around the attic looking for his childhood toys.

Translations

Translations of the word "ferreting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 investigação

🇮🇳 खोजबीन करना

🇩🇪 Ermittlung

🇮🇩 penyelidikan

🇺🇦 розслідування

🇵🇱 śledztwo

🇯🇵 調査する

🇫🇷 enquête

🇪🇸 investigación

🇹🇷 araştırma

🇰🇷 조사하기

🇸🇦 تحقيق

🇨🇿 vyšetřování

🇸🇰 vyšetrovanie

🇨🇳 调查

🇸🇮 preiskava

🇮🇸 rannsókn

🇰🇿 тергеу

🇬🇪 გამოძიება

🇦🇿 tədqiqat

🇲🇽 investigación

Etymology

The term 'ferret' historically refers to a small domesticated animal, a member of the weasel family, often used in hunting. The word comes from the Latin 'furittus,' which is a diminutive form of 'fur,' meaning thief, a reference to the animal's furtive and clever nature. Over time, the action associated with ferrets—searching out hidden prey—transferred to the human context, embodying the act of searching thoroughly. The verb form 'to ferret out' emerged in the early 17th century, reflecting both the physical action of the animal as well as a more metaphorical sense of investigation. This duality led to its usage in contexts involving the discovery of information, secrets, and other hidden truths.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,925 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.