inspector
ihn-SPEHK-tuh
Inspector (noun) means a person whose job is to examine and check something for quality, safety, or compliance. Example: “A health inspector visited the restaurant to check the kitchen.”
noun
1
A person whose job is to examine and check something for quality, safety, or compliance.
"A health inspector visited the restaurant to check the kitchen."
"The inspector examined every part of the machine before approving it."
"The building inspector found a crack in the foundation."
2
A police rank above sergeant and below superintendent.
"The inspector briefed her officers before they searched the area."
"He was promoted from sergeant to inspector after many years of service."
"Detective Inspector Reyes took charge of the case."
How to use inspector
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose job is to check things officially, whether that's buildings, food safety, or a police case.
Common pairings
building inspector
police inspector
health inspector
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Word forms
- Plural
- inspectors
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A health _____ visited the restaurant to check the kitchen.
Etymology
From Latin inspector, from inspicere ("to inspect").
Related words
Rhymes for inspector
See all rhymes for inspector →Frequently asked questions
What does “inspector” mean?
The word “inspector” means a person whose job is to examine and check something for quality, safety, or compliance. In plain terms, someone whose job is to check things officially, whether that's buildings, food safety, or a police case.
How do you pronounce “inspector”?
“Inspector” is pronounced ihn-SPEHK-tuh (/ɪnˈspɛk.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “inspector” in a sentence?
Here is “inspector” used in a sentence: “The building inspector found a crack in the foundation.”
What part of speech is “inspector”?
“Inspector” is a noun.
Where does the word “inspector” come from?
The word “inspector” comes from Latin. From Latin inspector, from inspicere ("to inspect").
Is “inspector” a common word?
“Inspector” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “inspector” have?
“Inspector” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person whose job is to examine and check something for quality, safety, or compliance.
What is the difference between an "inspector" and a "detective"?
An inspector is a person whose job is to examine and check something for quality, safety, or compliance, or a specific police rank above sergeant and below superintendent. A detective is an officer who investigates crimes. The two overlap only within police forces, where an inspector is defined by rank and a detective by investigative duty.
What rank is an "inspector" in the police?
In the police, an inspector is a rank above sergeant and below superintendent. It is a supervisory position, though the exact duties vary between forces and countries.
What is the difference between an "inspector" and an "auditor"?
Both examine things for compliance, but an inspector typically checks physical items, sites, or conditions for quality and safety, such as a building inspector. An auditor usually reviews financial records and accounts. The focus of each role differs.
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