investigation
ihn-vehs-tih-GAY-shuhn
Investigation (noun) means a careful and systematic inquiry into the facts of a matter. Example: “A full investigation found that a faulty wire had caused the fire.”
noun
1
A careful and systematic inquiry into the facts of a matter.
"A full investigation found that a faulty wire had caused the fire."
"The police launched an investigation into the missing funds."
"An internal investigation cleared the manager of any wrongdoing."
How to use investigation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of looking closely into something to uncover the truth.
Common pairings
launch an investigation
under investigation
criminal investigation
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Word forms
- Plural
- investigations
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A full _____ found that a faulty wire had caused the fire.
Etymology
Came into English as Middle English investigacioun, from Old French investigacion, from Latin investigatio. Morphologically it is investigate + -ion.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for investigation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for investigation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “investigation” mean?
The word “investigation” means a careful and systematic inquiry into the facts of a matter. In plain terms, the process of looking closely into something to uncover the truth.
How do you pronounce “investigation”?
“Investigation” is pronounced ihn-vehs-tih-GAY-shuhn (/ɪnˌvɛs.tɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “investigation” in a sentence?
Here is “investigation” used in a sentence: “The police launched an investigation into the missing funds.”
What part of speech is “investigation”?
“Investigation” is a noun.
Is “investigation” a common word?
“Investigation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an investigation and an inquiry?
The two overlap, and inquiry is sometimes just a formal word for investigation. In general, an investigation is a detailed effort to uncover facts, often about wrongdoing, as in a police investigation. An inquiry is broader: it can simply mean asking questions, or a formal, official review of events, such as a public inquiry.
What is the difference between investigation and research?
Both involve careful inquiry, but their aims differ. An investigation seeks the facts of a specific matter or incident, often to establish what happened and who was responsible. Research seeks new knowledge or understanding across a subject, usually to answer broader questions. Investigations look into cases; research explores ideas and builds knowledge.
What are the main types of investigation?
Investigations take many forms depending on their purpose. Criminal investigations look into suspected crimes, while civil ones support legal disputes. There are also scientific investigations that test questions through experiment, internal or corporate investigations into workplace conduct, and forensic investigations that analyse physical evidence. Each follows a careful, systematic method.
What are the steps in an investigation?
A typical investigation follows a logical sequence: defining the question or problem, gathering evidence, interviewing people or examining sources, analysing the findings, and drawing conclusions. Good investigators stay objective, follow the facts wherever they lead, and record everything carefully so the results can be checked and trusted.
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