detectives

word · lemma: detective

/dɪˈtɛktɪvz/
di-TEK-tivz
/dɪtˈɛktɪvz/
di-TEK-tivz

Definition

Detectives are police officers or investigators whose job is to discover facts, solve crimes, and find out who is responsible for something. The word can also be used for private investigators in some contexts.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to people investigating crimes, especially in police contexts. Common combinations include 'police detectives', 'private detectives', and 'homicide detectives'. Don't confuse it with the adjective 'detective' in phrases like 'detective novel' or 'detective story'.

Example Sentences

The detectives asked me some questions about the robbery.

basic

Two detectives came to our house this morning.

basic

The detectives found an important clue in the car.

basic

The detectives are still trying to piece together what happened that night.

natural

Everyone thought it was an accident, but the detectives weren't convinced.

natural

By the time the detectives arrived, the main suspect had already left town.

natural