Why does searching express a more exact shade of meaning than looking?

Answer 1

Searching does not express a more exact shade of meaning; it expresses a different shade of meaning. The implication of searching is that the need is more urgent, there is more personal investment in the process, and the quest is more likely to persist until the thing sought is found. There is also a suggestion that the thing sought is farther away or elusive.

Answer 2

Searching implies a focused effort to find something specific, while looking is more general and may involve scanning or browsing. Searching suggests a deeper intent or purpose behind the action, while looking can be more casual or superficial.