Category: Science & TechnologyPart of speech: nounDifficulty: Intermediate

investigation

/investigation/Roman
US/ˌɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/
UK/ɪnvˌɛstɪɡˈeɪʃən/

English meaning: Investigation

Definition

An investigation is a careful study carried out to discover facts about something. Science lessons often include practical investigations.

Example

The investigation showed that heat speeds up the reaction.

Another example: A criminal investigation was launched after the bank reported the missing funds.

Usage — When, Where & How

A systematic examination carried out to discover facts. Neutral to formal; spans science ('a practical investigation') and law/journalism ('a police investigation'). Often followed by 'into'.

Etymology & Origin

English — Origin & History

From Latin 'investigatio' meaning a searching into.

Synonyms

Related Words

  • fbi
  • wrongdoing
  • allegations
  • prosecution
  • prosecutor
  • uncovered
  • investigative
  • forensic
  • alleged
  • concluded
  • corruption
  • inquiry

Common Collocations

  • launch an investigation
  • conduct an investigation
  • police investigation
  • under investigation
  • thorough investigation

Word Forms

investigation (n); investigations (pl); investigate (v)

Word Tools

5 syllables

Tools & Calculators

Literary Heritage

To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.

/To thine own self be true/

Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.

William Shakespeare · Playwright & Poet · 1564–1616

Hamlet, Act II

Hamlet, II.i — Polonius's parting words to Laertes; the most quoted line in Shakespeare

I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?

/I'm nobody! Who are you?/

I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.

Emily Dickinson · Poet · 1830–1886

Poems

Poem 288 — Dickinson's subversive celebration of solitude over social recognition

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Language information

Language
English
English
Script
Latin
Family
Indo-European
Speakers
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