tease out
Coax out gradually
To tease out something is to extract it carefully and gradually, especially information or meaning that isn't immediately apparent: It took several interviews to tease out the full story.
The image comes from gently separating tangled fibers or strands.
You might tease out the implications of a theory, the causes of a problem, or someone's true feelings on a matter.
Separate intertwined strands
- disentangleFree from snarls
- isolateSeparate from others
- separateTo set apart
- identifyEstablish who or what
derive · extricate · uncover · reveal · discern · sift · filter · sort
To make understood
- explicateClarify through detailed analysis
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- explainMake something understood
- interpretExtract or convey meaning
define · comprehend · decipher · demystify · simplify · enlighten · illustrate · detail
Seek facts systematically
- examineStudy with attention
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
- dissectCut open to examine
- exploreTravel to discover
research · study · assess · evaluate · probe · inquire · deduce · diagnose
Extremely careful and thorough
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
- thoroughComplete in every detail
deliberate · systematic · gradual · slow · gentle · patient · persistent · diligent
unravel
Separate intertwined strands
- disentangleFree from snarls
- isolateSeparate from others
- separateTo set apart
identify · derive · extricate · uncover · reveal · discern · sift · filter · sort · pick
elucidate
To make understood
- explicateClarify through detailed analysis
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- explainMake something understood
interpret · define · comprehend · decipher · demystify · simplify · enlighten · illustrate · detail · specify
investigate
Seek facts systematically
- examineStudy with attention
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
- dissectCut open to examine
explore · research · study · assess · evaluate · probe · inquire · deduce · diagnose · break down
painstaking
Extremely careful and thorough
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
thorough · deliberate · systematic · gradual · slow · gentle · patient · persistent · diligent · unhurried
- bring outdraw out, bring forth, elicit, evoke, educe
- root outroot out, flush out, ferret out, smoke out, weed out