To explore (verb) is to investigate or travel to a new area in order to discover
things. Exploration is neutral:
▶️ The satellite will explore the area outside our solar system.
▶️ We are exploring the possibility of a business partnership.
To exploit (verb) is to take advantage of something, usually in a selfish or unethical
way. Exploitation is bad:
▶️ Europeans exploited African slave labor to build their colonies.
▶️ Jerry has a long history of sexually exploiting children.
To complicate matters, the word exploit can also be a noun – referring to significant
actions or achievements. This word is neutral.
▶️ I started a blog to update my family on my exploits in foreign countries.