While perusing the dictionary recently, I encountered an intriguing etymological tidbit: the term “explore” initially signified to shout out. This insight can be traced back to its Latin origins, where it was derived from the prefix “ex-“, denoting outward motion, and “plorare”, which translates to cry or weep. This link is apparent in terms such as “implore”—to beseech or cry for something—and “deplore”—to convey strong disapproval or ‘cry over’ something or someone.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) further elucidates, stating that “explore” may have first pertained to hunters calling out to flush out animals concealed nearby. This implies that exploration had a fundamentally predatory aspect, potentially laced with a sense of sorrow. This etymological exploration prompts a thoughtful consideration of how a term I often use in video game critiques encapsulates a sort of subdued grief.