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ausloten

to sound out; to probe; to explore the depth of

verb OWS-loh-ten Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Origin: from Lot (plumb line)

Usage Note

ausloten originally means to measure depth with a plumb line (nautical). Figuratively it means to thoroughly explore the limits or depths of something: Möglichkeiten ausloten (to explore possibilities), seine Grenzen ausloten (to probe one's limits).

Examples

"Die Verhandlungsführer versuchten, die Kompromissbereitschaft der anderen Seite auszuloten."

Natural Translation

The negotiators tried to sound out the other side's willingness to compromise.

Literal Translation

The negotiation-leaders tried, the compromise-willingness of-the other side to probe.

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