Reconnaissance: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to military or strategic activities, where the primary goal is to gather information about enemy positions or terrain.

• The soldiers embarked on a reconnaissance mission to gather intel on enemy movements
• The drone provided valuable reconnaissance data for the operation

This word fits well in contexts involving systematic data collection, often used in research, construction, and mapping.

• The team conducted a survey to understand customer preferences
• Before building the bridge, an extensive land survey was necessary

This is typically used for discovering or investigating unknown or new areas, often in a scientific, geographical, or adventure context.

• The explorers undertook a journey of exploration in the Amazon rainforest
• Space agencies are planning new missions for the exploration of Mars

Best used in contexts related to sports, wilderness activities, or when seeking talent, where the goal is to find, evaluate, and report.

• The baseball team sent scouts to the rival games for scouting new talent
• Scouts were deployed to the forest to find a suitable campsite

Used in a military or strategic context to refer to preliminary surveying or research to gather information.

• The soldiers conducted a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence on the enemy's position

Commonly used in a context where detailed examination or measurements are being taken, often related to land, opinions, or specific conditions.

• The engineering team conducted a survey of the land before starting the construction project

Used when actively searching or investigating new areas or fields, often related to adventures or scientific research.

• The scientists embarked on an exploration of the uncharted island to study its unique ecosystem

Often used in a general context of looking ahead or searching for something specific, such as talents, locations, or opportunities. It can also refer specifically to activities related to the Scouts movement.

• The coach spent hours scouting for new football talent in the local high schools

Use in military or strategic contexts when collecting information about an area or enemy forces.

• The soldiers carried out a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence about enemy positions.
• Aerial reconnaissance provided crucial data about the terrain.

Use when conducting a detailed examination or assessment, often involving measurements and data collection. Common in academic, professional, or land assessment contexts.

• The architect conducted a survey of the property before designing the building.
• The geological survey provided valuable information about the mineral resources in the area.

Use in contexts involving searching or traveling through an area to learn more about it, often in scientific or adventurous terms.

• The team set out on an exploration of the cave system to map its chambers.
• Space exploration has led to many significant discoveries about our universe.

Use when actively searching for information or monitoring an area, often involving a quick or initial assessment. This can also be used in sports or talent searches.

• The scouts observed the enemy camp from a distance.
• They embarked on a scouting trip to find new talent for the football team.