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Definition of investigative

investigative

/ɪnˈvɛs.tə.ɡeɪ.tɪv/
in · ves · ti · ga · tive
Adverb:investigatively
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investigative Lexical Profile

investigative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or characterized by systematic inquiry, examination, or research to uncover facts or information.

Example

"The newspaper won a prestigious award for its investigative reporting on municipal corruption."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for investigative
Antonyms
View all antonyms for investigative

• Nearby Words

investible
investigate
investigation
investigative
investigator
investigatory
investment

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the verb 'investigate' plus the suffix '-ive', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'investigare' (to track or trace out), from 'vestigium' (a 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 Investigative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/investigative
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