How to Pronounce "detective work"
expression
dɪˈtɛktɪv/ /ˈwɝk
di-TEK-tiv WURK
dɪtˈɛktɪv/ /wˈɜːk
di-TEK-tiv WURK
Definition
Serious investigation and searching done to find information, often like a detective. People use it for both police work and situations where someone is looking for clues or answers.
IPA Transcription
American English
dɪˈtɛktɪv/ /ˈwɝk
British English
dɪtˈɛktɪv/ /wˈɜːk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
di-TEK-tiv WURK
UK
di-TEK-tiv WURK
Listen in Context
He did some detective work to find his lost wallet.
Good detective work helped solve the mystery.
She used detective work to learn who sent the gift.
It took a bit of detective work, but I finally tracked down the recipe.