Exhaustive is spelled /ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ex," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a voiced velar fricative consonant, "g." The second syllable, "haus," is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative consonant, "s." The final syllable, "tive," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a voiced alveolar fricative consonant, "v." Together, these sounds form the word "exhaustive," which means thorough and comprehensive.
The term "exhaustive" is an adjective that describes a thorough and complete exploration, investigation, or analysis of a particular subject or topic. It conveys the idea that every possible option, detail, or aspect related to the subject has been considered, leaving no room for further examination.
When used in the context of research, an exhaustive study is one that has explored all available sources of information, leaving no stone unturned. It implies that the researcher has scrutinized all relevant literature, conducted interviews or surveys, and thoroughly analyzed the data gathered.
In a legal or investigative context, an exhaustive inquiry signifies a process in which all potential leads, testimonies, and evidence have been pursued diligently. Such an inquiry aims to leave no room for doubt or ambiguity, meticulously exploring all angles before drawing definitive conclusions.
The term "exhaustive" can also be used in descriptive accounts or reviews to denote a comprehensive and all-encompassing analysis of a particular topic, leaving no significant aspect untouched. In this context, it implies a detailed examination, discussing various facets, viewpoints, and perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding and leaving no gaps in the discourse.
Overall, "exhaustive" denotes a meticulous and comprehensive approach towards researching, analyzing, or investigating a particular subject, where no potential avenue or detail has been overlooked, resulting in an all-encompassing and thorough evaluation.
Tending to exhaust.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "exhaustive" originated from the Latin word "exhaustivus", which is derived from the verb "exhaustus", meaning "to drain out" or "to empty". This Latin term consists of two components: "ex" meaning "out" or "thoroughly" and "haustus" meaning "drained" or "drawn out". Over time, "exhaustivus" evolved into the Old French word "exhaustif", which eventually entered English as "exhaustive" in the early 17th century. The word implies a thorough or complete examination or coverage of a topic, effectively leaving nothing more to be drained out or explored.