search out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To find something or someone by looking really hard until you succeed
Literal meaning: To search and bring something out of hiding — 'out' implies successful retrieval
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To find someone or something by searching carefully and persistently, implying success
"She managed to search out a first edition of the book from a dealer in Edinburgh."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To deliberately seek out a specific person to speak to, consult, or confront them
"After the meeting, the CEO searched out the junior employee who had asked the difficult question."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Implies a more purposeful and complete search than 'search for' — the 'out' particle suggests the goal is reached. Often implies the thing being sought is hidden, rare, or difficult to find.
Commonly used with
truth information expert solution hidden rare
Forms
Base
search out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
searches out
he/she/it
Past simple
searched out
yesterday
Past participle
searched out
have + pp
-ing form
searching out
continuous
Understand "search out" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "search out" on Looplines