investigation

[ in-ves-ti-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of investigating or the condition of being investigated.

   Synonyms: exploration, scrutiny

2. a searching inquiry for ascertaining facts; detailed or careful examination.

   Synonyms: exploration, scrutiny

investigation

/ ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of investigating; a careful search or examination in order to discover facts, etc

Derived Forms

• inˌvestiˈgational, adjective

Other Words From

• in·vesti·gation·al adjective
• prein·vesti·gation noun
• rein·vesti·gation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of investigation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English investigacio(u)n from Latin investīgātiōn- (stem of investīgātiō ). See investigate, -ion

Synonym Study

Investigation, examination, inquiry, research express the idea of an active effort to find out something. An investigation is a systematic, minute, and thorough attempt to learn the facts about something complex or hidden; it is often formal and official: an investigation of a bank failure. An examination is an orderly attempt to obtain information about or to make a test of something, often something presented for observation: a physical examination. An inquiry is an investigation made by asking questions rather than by inspection, or by study of available evidence: an inquiry into a proposed bond issue. Research is careful and sustained investigation.

Example Sentences

Was there an investigation of people at DOJ before they arrived at that conclusion?

From The Daily Beast

The FBI has also been searching its records for any information that could assist the French investigation, a spokesperson added.

From The Daily Beast

She claims the FBI tried to enlist her as a cooperating source in their investigation.

From The Daily Beast

Great resources were devoted to the science of air crash investigation.

From The Daily Beast

The role of private investigators has stirred controversy in the investigation.

From The Daily Beast

A large crowd gathered immediately, and the alcaldes made investigation of what was passing.

From Project Gutenberg

He had looked diligently into the transactions of the house for many years past, and the investigation was most satisfactory.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore they charge the governor with concealing it; and all that is without the aid of authority to make investigation.

From Project Gutenberg

Investigation showed three of the guerrillas dead and three more desperately wounded.

From Project Gutenberg

She had been seen to raise her handkerchief to her eyes with the first announcement regarding the investigation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analysis
• case
• examination
• hearing
• inquiry
• inspection
• probe
• research
• review
• scrutiny
• search
• study
• survey