Definition of the word search out

The phrase "search out" is a phrasal verb that combines the meanings of the words "search" and "out". The origin of this expression can be traced back to the 16th century, when it first appeared in English literature. The preposition "out" in this context was originally used to indicate exterior locations or things that were outside, rather than just out of sight. In the Middle Ages, the phrase "to seek out" or "to search out" was used to describe the act of discovering or finding something or someone that was not easily accessed or known. The verb "search" itself has a long history in English, dating back to the Old English period around the 11th century. It was originally spelled "scearc" and meant "to measure, calculate, or count" before it evolved to mean "to seek out or look for". The modern understanding of the word "search" refers to the act of looking for something, often using specific methods or technologies to aid in the process. In summary, the phrasal verb "search out" combines the history of both "search" and "out" to suggest the action of actively seeking out or discovering something that may be less visible or well-known. Its use has been a part of the English language for centuries and continues to be commonly employed today.