pore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal (as a verb in its 'study' sense); technical/biological (as a noun).
Quick answer
What does “pore” mean?
A tiny opening in a surface, especially the skin or a leaf, allowing passage of fluids or gases.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tiny opening in a surface, especially the skin or a leaf, allowing passage of fluids or gases.
To study or examine something with great, absorbed attention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The verb 'pore' is occasionally misspelled as 'pour' in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. The noun often carries connotations of biology, skincare, or filtration. The verb connotes deep concentration.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The noun is common in skincare and scientific contexts. The verb is moderately common in academic and professional registers.
Grammar
How to Use “pore” in a Sentence
[Verb] pore over + [Noun Phrase] (e.g., pore over the report)[Noun] of + [Noun] (e.g., pores of the skin)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pore” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He pored over the ancient manuscript in the library for hours.
- Solicitors are poring through the new legal regulations.
American English
- She pored over the data looking for any anomalies.
- The detectives pored over the evidence from the crime scene.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No adverbial form.
American English
- N/A - No adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'Pore' is not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'Pore' is not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The analyst will pore over the quarterly figures before the meeting.
Academic
Researchers must pore through archival material to find primary sources.
Everyday
I need a cleanser for my enlarged pores. / She pored over the instructions to assemble the furniture.
Technical
The membrane's selectivity depends on the size of its nanopores.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pore”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pore”
- Incorrect: *'She poured over the manuscript.' (Wrong spelling for the verb). Correct: 'She pored over the manuscript.'
- Incorrect: *'Clean the pours on your face.' Correct: 'Clean the pores on your face.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Pore' (to study) and 'pour' (to flow) are homophones with different spellings and origins. The noun 'pore' (opening) is also unrelated.
The verb 'pore' is almost always used with 'over' or 'through' (e.g., pore over a document, pore through records). Using it alone is very rare and archaic.
'Pore' implies a more intense, absorbed, and meticulous form of studying or examining, often for a prolonged period. 'Study' is a broader, more general term.
It is most frequent in skincare/dermatology contexts (e.g., clogged pores), biology (e.g., leaf stomata are pores), and materials science (e.g., porous materials).
A tiny opening in a surface, especially the skin or a leaf, allowing passage of fluids or gases.
Pore is usually neutral to formal (as a verb in its 'study' sense); technical/biological (as a noun). in register.
Pore: in British English it is pronounced /pɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To pore over something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your PORe (pore) as a tiny DOOR for sweat. To PORE over a book, you keep your eyes POsed on it, Reading Extremely carefully.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS A FLUID (The mind 'pours' over details). KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A LIQUID (It flows through the 'pores' of a text).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'pore' correctly?