Investigate
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
Definitions
To examine or inquire into something carefully and systematically to discover facts or establish the truth of an action, occurrence, statement, or the like.
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
To examine or inquire into systematically
The journalist decided to investigate the allegations of corruption.
💡 Simply: Think of it like being a detective! If you investigate something, you're looking for clues and information to find out what really happened. Like, 'The detective had to investigate the mysterious sound in the middle of the night!'
👶 For kids: To investigate means to find out more about something by asking questions and looking for clues, like a detective!
More Examples
Scientists will investigate the cause of the unusual weather patterns.
The detective was assigned to investigate the missing person case.
How It's Used
"The police are investigating the theft."
"Researchers are investigating the effects of the new drug."
Idioms & expressions
investigate the matter
To look into something.
"The police will investigate the matter of the missing money."
From Latin *investigare* ('to track, trace'), from *in-* ('in, into') + *vestigium* ('track, footprint').
Used since the 16th century, initially referring to the tracing of footprints or tracks.
Memory tip
Imagine you're a detective, following clues to uncover the truth. INVESTIGATE!
Word Origin
"track, footprint"