究

1. To investigate, delve into, or penetrate a matter.

2. To reach the end; to exhaust a subject or path.

3. To trace back to the absolute source or root.

Primarily functions as a transitive verb.

• vs 求 (qiú): While both involve seeking, 求 typically refers to a quest for an object, favor, or goal; 究 is a quest for a boundary, truth, or root.
• vs 研 (yán): Where 研 suggests grinding or polishing a surface to reveal essence, 究 suggests digging deep into a void to find the bottom.

Combines 穴 (cave/hole) and 求 (to seek), suggesting the act of digging down until hitting bedrock.

The glyph is fundamentally concerned with extremities and limits. Avoid over-modernizing as "research"; depending on context, it may be more accurately rendered as "to exhaust," "to penetrate to the bottom," or "to push to the limit." Note that the focus can be as much on the conclusion of the search as on the process. In passages suggesting finality or exhaustion, 究 likely refers to reaching the limit (similar to 極).