aus|loten
Translation
to sound out, to fathom, to explore, to gauge
Examples
Wir müssen die Grenzen des Möglichen ausloten.
We have to explore the limits of what is possible.
Der Diplomat lotete die Stimmung im Land aus.
The diplomat sounded out the mood in the country.
Grammar Patterns
((sth. acc.)) to sound out, to explore sth. We need to explore the new possibilities.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erkunden (to explore), erforschen (to research), sondieren (to probe)
Etymology
From 'aus-' (out, completely) and 'loten' (to sound with a plumb line), originally referring to measuring water depth.
Memory Tips
Imagine a sailor using a sounding lead ('Lot') to fully measure ('aus-') the depth, and apply this to figuratively 'sounding out' a situation or possibilities.