Investigate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt/ in·ves·ti·gate

Meaning & Definition of Investigate

Investigate (verb)

  1. to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
  2. to make a systematic examination; especially, to conduct an official inquiry

Investigate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to search through or into

    "experts investigating new ways of dealing with the problem"

    similar: delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), look (into), probe, research, check into, check up on
    related: inspect, sift, study, view, browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through), reinvestigate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Investigate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Investigate:

delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), look (into), probe, research, check into, check up on

Related Words for Investigate

inspect, sift, study, view, browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through), reinvestigate

Word Forms of Investigate

Inflections: investigated, investigating

Derived words: investigation (noun), investigative (adjective), investigatory (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Investigate

Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Investigate

  • Topics: Science & Research

Frequently Asked Questions about Investigate

What does "Investigate" mean?

"Investigate" means to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry. As a verb, it is defined as: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry.

What is another word for "Investigate"?

Other words for "Investigate" include delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), look (into), probe and research. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Investigate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Investigate"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Investigate". Common alternatives include delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), look (into), probe, research, check into and check up on.

How do you use "Investigate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Investigate" in a sentence: "experts investigating new ways of dealing with the problem".

Is "Investigate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Investigate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Investigate"?

"Investigate" is pronounced /in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt/ and divided into syllables as in·ves·ti·gate.

What is the origin of the word "Investigate"?

"Investigate" comes from Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track. First known use: 15th centuryt.

What is another word for "Investigate" meaning "to search through or into"?

When "Investigate" (verb) means to search through or into, synonyms include delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into) and look (into).