Investigation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun phrase /in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt/ in·ves·ti·gate

Meaning & Definition of Investigation

Investigation (verb)

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

Investigation (noun)

  1. a case that is still being investigated (as by the police)

Investigation (phrase)

  1. being investigated, being looked into to try to find out the facts

Investigation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

    "officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash"

    similar: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, probation, probe, probing, research, study
    related: quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Related Entry: Investigate (verb)

Investigate is a different word from Investigation. The synonyms below are for investigate, not for investigation.

  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 Investigation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Investigation:

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, probation, probe, probing, research, study

Related Words for Investigation

quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Word Forms of Investigation

Inflections: investigated, investigating

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

Origin & Etymology of Investigation

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

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Investigation

Words & Phrases Containing Investigation

open investigation, under investigation

Frequently Asked Questions about Investigation

What does "Investigation" mean?

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

What is another word for "Investigation"?

Other words for "Investigation" include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry and inquisition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Investigation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Investigation"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Investigation". Common alternatives include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, probation and probe.

How do you use "Investigation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Investigation" in a sentence: "officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash".

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

"Investigation" can be used as a verb, a noun and a phrase, depending on the context.

Is "Investigation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Investigation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Investigation"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Investigation"?

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