What does trawled mean?
Trawled is the past tense of the verb 'to trawl', meaning to search or explore something in a methodical or thorough manner. This verb is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law enforcement or scientific research, but can also be used in more casual contexts to describe a thorough search or exploration. The word is derived from the verb 'to draw', and its usage is often associated with the idea of carefully examining or investigating something. Trawled is a useful word for describing a detailed or exhaustive search, and its connotations are neutral, conveying a sense of thoroughness or diligence. In addition to its use in formal or technical contexts, trawled can also be used in more creative or literary contexts to describe a character's search for knowledge or understanding.
verbPast tense of 'to trawl', meaning to search or explore something, often in a methodical or thorough manner.
- Past tense of 'to trawl'
"The detective had to trawled through hours of security footage to find the suspect."
"The detective had to trawled through hours of security footage to find the suspect."
"The researcher trawled the internet for relevant studies on the topic."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of trawled
The word 'trawled' is derived from the verb 'to trawl', which is itself derived from the verb 'to draw'. The verb 'to trawl' originated in the 15th century, and was initially used to describe the act of dragging a net through the water to catch fish. Over time, the verb 'to trawl' took on a broader meaning, encompassing the idea of searching or exploring something in a methodical or thorough manner. The past tense of 'to trawl', 'trawled', emerged as a distinct word in the 17th century, and has since been used to describe a wide range of activities, from law enforcement to scientific research.
How trawled is actually used
Trawled is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law enforcement or scientific research. It can also be used in more casual contexts to describe a thorough search or exploration.