investigator
ihn-VEHS-tih-gay-tuh
Investigator (noun) means a person whose job is to investigate something, such as a crime or accident. Example: “An investigator from the safety board examined the damaged bridge carefully.”
noun
1
A person whose job is to investigate something, such as a crime or accident.
"An investigator from the safety board examined the damaged bridge carefully."
"The insurance company sent an investigator to check the cause of the fire."
"A private investigator was hired to track down the missing heir."
How to use investigator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who professionally looks into facts and evidence.
Common pairings
private investigator
lead investigator
fire investigator
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Word forms
- Plural
- investigators
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An _____ from the safety board examined the damaged bridge carefully.
Etymology
Attested in the mid‐16th century; from Latin investigator, from investigare, equivalent to investigate + -or.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for investigator
See all rhymes for investigator →Frequently asked questions
What does “investigator” mean?
The word “investigator” means a person whose job is to investigate something, such as a crime or accident. In plain terms, someone who professionally looks into facts and evidence.
How do you pronounce “investigator”?
“Investigator” is pronounced ihn-VEHS-tih-gay-tuh (/ɪnˈvɛs.tɪˌɡeɪ̯.təː/ in IPA).
How do you use “investigator” in a sentence?
Here is “investigator” used in a sentence: “A private investigator was hired to track down the missing heir.”
What part of speech is “investigator”?
“Investigator” is a noun.
Is “investigator” a common word?
“Investigator” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an "investigator" and a "detective"?
Investigator is a broad term for anyone whose job is to investigate something, such as a crime, accident, or fraud case, while detective specifically refers to a police officer trained to investigate crimes. Not all investigators are police detectives; many work in insurance, journalism, or private practice.
What does a "private investigator" do?
A private investigator is someone hired independently, outside law enforcement, to investigate matters such as infidelity, missing persons, or fraud on behalf of a client. This role differs from a police investigator, who works for a government agency.
What is the difference between an "investigator" and an "inspector"?
An investigator focuses on researching and gathering facts about a specific incident, such as a crime or accident, while an inspector typically examines whether something, like a building or a business, meets required standards. The two roles can overlap but serve different primary purposes.
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