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Scout vs Probe - What's the difference?

scout | probe |

In transitive intransitive terms the difference between scout and probe

is that scout is to explore a wide terrain, as on a search; to reconnoiter while probe is to explore, investigate, or question.

In transitive terms the difference between scout and probe

is that scout is to reject with contempt while probe is to insert a probe into.

scout

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl), from (etyl) .

Noun

(en noun)
  • A person sent out to gain and bring in tidings; especially, one employed in war to gain information about the enemy and ground.
  • An act of scouting or reconnoitering.
  • * Cowper
  • while the rat is on the scout
  • A member of any number of youth organizations belonging to the international movement, such as the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the United States.
  • A person who assesses and/or recruits others; especially, one who identifies promising talent on behalf of a sports team.
  • (British) A college student's or undergraduate's servant; -- so called in Oxford, England; at Cambridge called a gyp; and at Dublin, a skip.
  • (British, cricket) A fielder in a game for practice.
  • A fighter aircraft.
  • Verb

  • (intransitive) To explore a wide terrain, as on a search; to reconnoiter.
  • To observe, watch, or look for, as a scout; to follow for the purpose of observation, as a scout.
  • * Beaumont and Fletcher
  • Take more men, and scout him round.
    Derived terms
    * scout about * scout around * scout out * scout round * scout up

    Etymology 2

    Of Scandinavian origin: compare Old Norse sk?ti, sk?ta = "taunt"; thus may be related to "shout".

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To reject with contempt.
  • to scout an idea or an apology
  • * 1610 , , act 3 scene 2
  • Flout 'em and scout' 'em; and ' scout 'em and flout 'em: / Thought is free.
  • * Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
  • I don't think I had any definite idea where Dora came from, or in what degree she was related to a higher order of beings; but I am quite sure I should have scouted the notion of her being simply human, like any other young lady, with indignation and contempt.
  • To scoff.
  • * 1851 , (Herman Melville), , ch. 45
  • So ignorant are most landsmen of some of the plainest and most palpable wonders of the world, that without some hints touching the plain facts, historical and otherwise, of the fishery, they might scout at Moby Dick as a monstrous fable, or still worse and more detestable, a hideous and intolerable allegory.

    Etymology 3

    Icelandic skta? a small craft or cutter.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (dated) A swift sailing boat.
  • * Samuel Pepys
  • So we took a scout , very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers.

    Etymology 4

    Icelandic word, meaning "to jut out".

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (archaic) A projecting rock.
  • (Wright)

    See also

    * *

    probe

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (surgery) Any of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.
  • (figuratively) Something which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.
  • An act of probing; a prod, a poke.
  • (figuratively) An investigation or inquiry.
  • They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.
  • (aeronautics) A tube attached to an aircraft which can be fitted into the drogue from a tanker aircraft to allow for aerial refuelling.
  • (sciences) A small device, especially an electrode, used to explore, investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.
  • Insert the probe into the soil and read the temperature.
  • (astronautics) A small, usually unmanned, spacecraft used to acquire information or measurements about its surroundings.
  • (game of go) a move with multiple answers seeking to make the opponent choose and commit to a strategy
  • Synonyms

    * (game of go ) yosu-miru

    Derived terms

    * probe-and-drogue

    Verb

    (prob)
  • (intransitive) To explore, investigate, or question
  • If you probe further, you may discover different reasons.
  • * Hallam
  • the growing disposition to probe the legality of all acts of the crown
  • To insert a probe into.