Dictionary.com

investigate

[ in-ves-ti-geyt ]
/ ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: investigate / investigated / investigating / investigative on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex, especially in an attempt to find a motive, cause, or culprit: The police are investigating the murder.
verb (used without object), in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of investigate

1500–10; <Latin investīgātus, past participle of investīgāre to follow a trail, search out. See in-2, vestige, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM investigate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use investigate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for investigate

investigate
/ (ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt) /

verb
to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp in order to discover the truth

Derived forms of investigate

investigable, adjectiveinvestigative or investigatory, adjective

Word Origin for investigate

C16: from Latin investīgāre to search after, from in- ² + vestīgium track; see vestige
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK