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Scout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scout

[skaʊt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in scouting

A member of the Scout movement, an organization for young people that aims to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness.

Synonyms

member, participant, youth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scout

Used when referring to a young person, typically in an organized youth group, focused on outdoor activities, leadership, and personal development.

  • The scout learned how to build a campfire during the weekend expedition.
  • She earned a new badge for her scouting achievements.
member

Appropriate in general situations describing someone who belongs to a group, organization, or community.

  • He is a member of the local book club.
  • As a member of the team, he shared his ideas for the project.
participant

Used when describing someone who is actively taking part in an event, activity, or competition.

  • Each participant received a medal at the end of the race.
  • There were over 100 participants in the conference.
youth

Refers to a young person or the period of life when someone is young. It can sometimes have a more formal or collective sense.

  • The program aims to support the local youth in their educational pursuits.
  • The community center offers various activities for the youth.

Examples of usage

  • He's been a scout since he was a child.
  • She achieved the highest rank possible as a scout.
Context #2 | Noun

in military

A soldier or other person sent out to gather information about the enemy's position, strength, or movements.

Synonyms

reconnaissance, scout troop, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scout

Used to describe a person who searches for something, often in terms of discovering talent or seeking to obtain information.

  • The talent scout was looking for new actors for the movie.
  • He went on a scout mission to find a good camping spot.
spy

Involves secretly gathering information, often in a way that is deceptive or covert. This term can carry a negative connotation.

  • The spy was caught stealing classified documents.
  • In many movies, the spy uses gadgets to complete secret missions.
reconnaissance

Typically used in a military or strategic context to describe the act of exploring an area to gather information.

  • The soldiers conducted a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence about enemy positions.
  • The reconnaissance flight provided valuable information about the terrain ahead.
scout troop

Refers specifically to a group of scouts, especially in the context of youth organizations like the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

  • The scout troop went on a weekend camping trip.
  • She joined a scout troop to learn survival skills and make new friends.

Examples of usage

  • The scout reported back to the commander with valuable information.
  • They sent a scout to reconnoiter the area.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To observe or explore carefully for the purpose of gaining information.

Synonyms

explore, inspect, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scout

This word is often used in situations involving preliminary exploration or reconnaissance, especially for military purposes or team sports.

  • The soldiers sent a scout ahead to assess the enemy's position.
  • She was scouting for new talent at the basketball game.
explore

Appropriate for situations where one is investigating or traveling through an unknown or unfamiliar area to learn more about it.

  • They decided to explore the hidden caves during their trip.
  • He loves to explore different cultures when he travels.
survey

Typically used for examining or measuring an area of land, or for gathering data and opinions through questionnaires.

  • The team will survey the land before starting the construction project.
  • They conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction.
inspect

Best used when referring to a detailed examination or assessment, usually for quality, safety, or condition.

  • The mechanic inspected the car for any faults.
  • The health inspector will visit the restaurant next week.

Examples of usage

  • The team scouted the location for their next film shoot.
  • He scouted the market for potential investment opportunities.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'scout' comes from the Old French word 'escouter', which means to listen or to watch.
  • In the 17th century, the term was used to refer to soldiers sending someone ahead to gather information about the enemy.
  • The use of scouts as explorers dates back to ancient civilizations, where they played crucial roles in reconnaissance.

Literature

  • In literature, characters labeled as scouts often serve as guides, leading heroes on their journeys, like in 'The Hobbit' with Bilbo Baggins.
  • The Scout movement, founded by Robert Baden-Powell in the early 1900s, emphasized youth leadership and outdoor skills through adventure storytelling.
  • Famous literary scouts include Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, embodying adventure and exploration in search of freedom.

Pop Culture

  • In movies like 'The Hunger Games', scouts play pivotal roles in exploring the terrain and gathering intelligence.
  • Video games often include scout characters that gather resources and provide strategic advantages to players.
  • The Boy Scouts of America, established in 1910, has greatly influenced youth culture surrounding outdoor activities and community service.

Science

  • In biology, 'scouting' can refer to researchers exploring ecosystems to discover new species and understand wildlife.
  • Birdwatching, a popular hobby, often involves scouting for rare and migratory species in nature, emphasizing patience and observation.
  • In the world of technology, scouts can refer to data collectors that gather information for algorithms to improve user experiences.

Psychology

  • Scouting behavior can also relate to curiosity, a fundamental trait in humans that drives exploration and discovery.
  • Psychologists note that individuals who regularly seek new experiences, often labeled as 'scouts' in their lives, tend to be more adaptable.
  • 'Scouting' for opportunities in careers often reflects a proactive approach, positively impacting personal growth and success.

Origin of 'scout'

The word 'scout' originated in the late 16th century, deriving from the Middle French word 'escoute', meaning 'listen'. Originally used in a military context to refer to someone who was sent ahead to listen for information about the enemy, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including its current usage in organizations like the Scout movement.

See also: scouting.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,964, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.