explorar

Senses

1. 1.

   to explore

   to investigate or travel through an unfamiliar area or subject

2. 2.

   to exploit

   to take advantage of someone or something unfairly for one's own benefit

3. 3.

   to exploit (resources)

   to extract or utilize natural resources or commercial opportunities

Examples

• "Vamos explorar a cidade antes de voltar para casa."

  Let's explore the city before going back home.

• "A empresa foi acusada de explorar os trabalhadores com salários baixos."

  The company was accused of exploiting workers with low wages.

• "O Brasil precisa explorar suas reservas de petróleo de forma sustentável."

  Brazil needs to exploit its oil reserves in a sustainable way.

Usage

Regular -ar verb. Context determines whether it means "explore" (neutral/positive) or "exploit" (negative). Common collocations: explorar possibilidades, explorar o mercado, explorar recursos naturais. The negative sense (taking unfair advantage) is very common in Brazilian Portuguese.