reconnoiter
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌriːkəˈnɔɪtə/
KK: /rɪˈkɒnəˌtɜr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To explore an area to gather information, especially for military purposes.
Example
The soldiers were sent to reconnoiter the enemy's position before the attack.
Tense Forms
Past: reconnoitered
Past Participle: reconnoitered
Conversation
I heard you went to the old castle to reconnoiter the area.
Yeah, it was really interesting to explore the grounds.
Did you find anything unusual while you were there?
Just some old ruins, but it was a great place to reconnoiter.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
explore
survey
inspect
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook
transitive verb
Definition
To explore an area to gather information, especially for military purposes.
Example
The soldiers were sent to reconnoiter the enemy's position before the attack.
Tense Forms
Past: reconnoitered
Past Participle: reconnoitered
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how we could reconnoiter the area before the hike?
That's a great idea! It would help us know what to expect.
Exactly! We should check out the trails and any potential obstacles.
Root Explanation
Reconnoiter → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "connoître" (from Old French, meaning to know). The word describes the act of knowing or surveying an area again, typically for military purposes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'knowing again' — 're-' means again, and 'connoître' means to know. This helps you remember that reconnoiter means to survey or explore an area to gain knowledge.
Visually Confused Words
unreconnoitered
economite