Detective
/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who investigates and solves crimes; an investigator.
/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
A person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and find out the truth.
The detective followed the clues to uncover the mystery.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super-sleuth who's really good at finding clues and figuring out who did something wrong. They're like the real-life versions of characters in mystery books!
👶 For kids: A detective is like a grown-up who finds clues to solve mysteries, like finding out who took the cookie!
More Examples
She worked as a private detective, solving cases for various clients.
The detective's keen observation skills helped him solve the complex case.
How It's Used
"The detective questioned the suspect for hours."
"Sherlock Holmes is a famous fictional detective."
Pertaining to or characteristic of detectives or their work.
/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
Relating to or characteristic of a detective or the work of detection.
She enjoys reading detective stories in her free time.
💡 Simply: Detective can also be used to describe things that are related to the mystery-solving world, like a detective novel (a book about detectives) or detective work (the process of finding clues).
👶 For kids: If something is 'detective,' it's like a mystery or something a detective does.
More Examples
The detective methods employed were highly effective.
The film featured a gripping detective plot.
How It's Used
"He developed a detective novel."
"The plot was filled with detective work and twists."
Idioms & expressions
private detective
A detective who works independently, often hired by individuals or companies to investigate specific matters.
"He hired a private detective to find his missing cat."
detective agency
A business that offers investigative services.
"The detective agency handled the corporate espionage case."
From Middle English detecte, from Old French detecter, from Latin dētegere (“to uncover, reveal”). The noun is from the verb, reflecting the function of uncovering information.
Used since the 18th century, initially referring to police officers engaged in investigation.
Memory tip
Think of a 'detective' as someone who 'detects' the truth.