1.
to investigate thoroughly, to pursue to the end
To examine or investigate something exhaustively until reaching a conclusion.
問題の原因を突き詰めて調べた。
I investigated the cause of the problem thoroughly.
真相を突き詰めるまで諦めない。
I won't give up until I get to the bottom of the truth.
2.
to think through completely, to carry to its logical conclusion
To follow a line of reasoning to its ultimate conclusion.
突き詰めて考えると、答えは一つしかない。
When you think it through completely, there's only one answer.
理論を突き詰めていくと矛盾が見えてくる。
As you pursue the theory to its end, contradictions become visible.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Compound verb: 突く + 詰める.
PATTERN: Xを突き詰める (pursue/investigate X thoroughly)
COMPOUND VERB PATTERN: ～詰める compounds indicate doing something exhaustively or to completion:
- 考え詰める (to think exhaustively - rare)
- 追い詰める (to corner, to drive into a corner)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 突き詰めて考える (think through thoroughly)
- 突き詰めれば (ultimately, when you get down to it)
- 突き詰めると (in the final analysis)
Related Words
Related:
追い詰める