investigating - Master This Word
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investigating Word Meanings
- related to or involving investigation
- intended to uncover information
- pertaining to a detailed examination
investigating Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- The police will investigate the crime.
- We need to investigate this problem.
- They want to investigate the strange noise.
- I will investigate the missing keys.
- She will investigate the source of the light.
investigating Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
US
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
investigating Word Etymology
investigate = in- (into) + vestigare (to track). Latin → Old French (investiguer) → English. Picture a detective going "into" the scene of a crime to "track" down clues.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach out and move my finger along a page, then adjust my gaze as I pull back to take in the whole scene. I turn ideas over in my mind, testing where a clue might fit and setting aside what seems unlikely. The effort builds as I hold steady, spotting tiny details, pushing past the easy answers toward a tighter picture. In practice, this feels like choosing a path and following it, keeping the question in sight and letting the meaning emerge from what I actually notice.
Real Context
Investigate as an adjective is less common in everyday speech; you typically form 'investigative' or 'investigatory' to describe work, reports, or methods that aim to uncover facts. In formal writing about journalism, law enforcement, science, or research, adjectives like investigative techniques, investigative reporting, or an investigatory committee convey a sense of careful, systematic inquiry. Learners often confuse investigate with its noun or verb forms, or slip into 'investigate' when describing something that should be 'investigative'. Key cues: pairing with nouns that imply inquiry, using 'investigative' before a noun, and choosing 'investigatory' in procedural contexts. The sense covers creation, analysis, and presentation of information obtained through examination.
Usage Reminders
- Use before a noun (investigative report); avoid mixing with the verb; remember related terms exist (investigation, investigator); check collocations; keep tone formal in professional contexts; practice with journalism and science examples.
Common Misconceptions
- Investigate is only a verb, not an adjective
- Investigative and investigation are the same word
- You can say 'investigate report' instead of 'investigative report'
- All investigative contexts use 'investigate' directly
- Investigation means the act, not the quality of the process
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: English typically marks the quality with -ive adjectives (investigative) and prefers not to use investigate as an adjective; other languages use suffixes like -ive, -ic, -al, or phrases like 'investigative' before a noun.
Learning Tips
- Memorize the common adjective form (investigative) and its synonyms (investigatory).
- Learn collocations like investigative reporting, investigative techniques, investigative committee.
- Differentiate adjective vs verb: avoid 'investigate report' in formal writing.
- Practice constructing noun phrases with the adjective before the noun.
- Read journalism/science excerpts to see natural usage.
- Create your own sentences with real-life contexts such as a mystery or data audit.
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