Definition

1. Verb:
   • To investigate discreetly; to probe: To examine or inquire into a situation, person, or matter in a careful, cautious, and secretive manner to gain information.
   • To observe covertly; to scrutinize: To watch someone or something closely and stealthily, often to detect reactions, intentions, or hidden details.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà báo đang dò xét thông tin về vụ án. (The journalist is discreetly investigating information about the case.)
  • Anh ta dò xét phản ứng của mọi người khi nghe tin. (He covertly observed everyone's reaction upon hearing the news.)
  • Cảnh sát dò xét hoạt động của băng nhóm. (The police are probing the gang's activities.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a sense of wariness, suspicion, or a need for secrecy in the act of gathering information. It is not a formal, open investigation but a preliminary or hidden one.
• "cái nhìn dò xét": An inquisitive, scrutinizing, or probing look.
  • Cô ấy đón nhận tôi với một cái nhìn dò xét. (She greeted me with an inquisitive look.)

Variants and Related Words

• Điều tra (v): To investigate (often more formal and official).
• Thăm dò (v): To probe, to sound out (often used for opinions or intentions).
• Theo dõi (v): To monitor, to follow.

Synonyms

• Investigate discreetly
• Probe
• Scrutinize covertly
• Reconnoiter

Related Idioms

• Dò xét ý tứ: To sound out someone's intentions.
  • Tôi nói thế để dò xét ý tứ của anh ta. (I said that to sound out his intentions.)

verb

1. to investigate; to observe discreetly
   • cái nhìn dò xét
     inquisitive look