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Definition of investigate

investigate

/ɪnˈvɛs.tɪ.ɡeɪt/
in · ves · ti · gate
Adverb:investigatively
•
Adjective:investigative
•
Past Simple:investigated
•
Past Participle:investigated
•
Present Participle:investigating
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investigate Lexical Profile

investigate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, or scientific problem so as to establish the truth.

Example

"The committee was formed to investigate the causes of the power outage."

2

To make an official inquiry into the character, activities, or background of a person or organization.

Example

"Regulators decided to investigate the company for potential financial misconduct."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for investigate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for investigate

• Rhymes for investigate

• Nearby Words

invest
investable
investible
investigate
investigation
investigative
investigator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare ('to trace out, track, or search into'), formed from in- ('into') and vestigare ('to track'), from vestigium ('footprint' or 'track').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Investigate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/investigate
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