investigate
word
/ˌɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪt/
in-VES-tuh-gayt
/ɪnvˈɛstɪɡˌeɪt/
in-VES-ti-gayt
Definition
To try to find out the truth about something by gathering information, examining facts, or asking questions. It is often used for crimes, problems, accidents, or scientific research.
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'look into'. Common patterns are 'investigate a crime', 'investigate the cause', and 'investigate whether/how...'. It usually suggests a careful, systematic process, not just casual checking.
Spanish: investigarPortuguese (BR): investigarPortuguese (PT): investigarChinese (Simplified): 调查 - 侦查Chinese (Traditional): 調查 - 偵查Hindi: जांच करना - तहकीकात करनाArabic: يحقق - يحقق فيBengali: তদন্ত করা - অনুসন্ধান করাRussian: расследовать - изучатьJapanese: 調査する - 調べるVietnamese: điều tra - nghiên cứuKorean: 조사하다 - 살펴보다Turkish: soruşturmak - araştırmakUrdu: تفتیش کرنا - تحقیق کرناIndonesian: menyelidiki - menyelidik
Example Sentences
The police will investigate the accident.
basic
Scientists are trying to investigate the disease.
basic
We need to investigate why the machine stopped.
basic
They're still investigating what caused the fire.
natural
Our team was asked to investigate whether the data was correct.
natural
Before we blame anyone, let's investigate the facts.
natural