investigative

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌɪˈnvɛstəˌgeɪtɪv/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Relating to or involving the systematic process of inquiring into, examining, or researching something in order to discover facts or information.; Characterized by a tendency or inclination to investigate; inquisitive or curious in nature.; Pertaining to a formal or official inquiry conducted by authorities, such as law enforcement or a government body.; Used in or relating to scientific research that involves systematic observation and experimentation to establish facts.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Collocations

investigative journalisminvestigative reportinginvestigative committeeinvestigative workinvestigative teaminvestigative powers

Derivatives

investigateinvestigationinvestigatorinvestigativelyinvestigatory

Synonyms

inquiringprobingexploratoryresearchexaminational

Commonly confused

investigatory
EN: 'Investigatory' is a near-synonym often used in legal or formal contexts (e.g., 'investigatory powers'), while 'investigative' is more common in journalism and general usage.
investigational
EN: 'Investigational' is primarily used in medical and scientific contexts (e.g., 'investigational drug'), whereas 'investigative' relates to inquiry and research broadly.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the '-ative' ending (not '-itory' or '-ational'). Do not confuse with 'investigatory,' which is a separate but related adjective.

💬 Examples

  1. The investigative journalist spent months uncovering corruption within the government.

  2. Children have a naturally investigative mind, always asking questions about how things work.

  3. The investigative committee was formed to look into the allegations of fraud.

  4. The lab conducted investigative studies to determine the cause of the disease outbreak.