reconnaissance
word
Definition
The act of exploring or surveying an area, especially to gather military or strategic information before taking further action.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in military or strategic contexts ("reconnaissance mission," "aerial reconnaissance"). Can occasionally be used figuratively for information gathering. The informal abbreviation is "recon." Rarely used in casual conversation.
Example Sentences
The army sent a team for reconnaissance before the main attack.
basic
Their reconnaissance revealed hidden obstacles we hadn't noticed.
natural
Let’s do some reconnaissance before we choose a campsite for the night.
natural
The pilot performed an aerial reconnaissance of the area.
basic
Maps from the reconnaissance were used to plan the next steps.
basic
Before we move in, a quick reconnaissance should tell us what we're dealing with.
natural