A2noun 2K

Detective

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/

Meaning of Detective

a person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and catch criminals

In simple words: A person who investigates and solves crimes.

Detective in a sentence

• a police/homicide/undercover detective
• Several objects were taken away by detectives from the anti-terrorist squad.
• Detective Inspector (Roger) Brown
• a detective constable/sergeant/superintendent
• Sherlock Holmes was Conan Doyle's fictional detective.
• Thomson was the lead detective in the Ramsay case.
• detectives investigating the case
• A team of around 30 detectives and uniformed officers have been working on the case.
• He was arrested in Spain by Scotland Yard detectives.
• Detective Sergeant John Nelson

How to use Detective

Use 'detective' in contexts related to solving crimes or mysteries. It works well in both casual and formal discussions about law enforcement or story genres but is less suitable for everyday situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'detective' as someone who 'detects' clues like Sherlock Holmes.

Related words

Collocations with Detective

• private
• undercover
• store
• hire
• investigate something
• agency
• work
• fiction
• private
• undercover
• store
• hire
• investigate something
• agency
• work
• fiction

Synonyms for Detective

• sleuth
• private investigator
• gumshoe
• investigator

Opposites of Detective

• suspect
• criminal

Common mistakes with Detective

• Confused with 'detect' — 'detective' is a person, while 'detect' is an action.
• Using 'detective' as an adjective (e.g., 'detective work' instead of 'detective's work').
• Mixing up with 'investigator', which might refer to a broader role.

Frequently asked questions about Detective

What does Detective mean?

A person who investigates and solves crimes.

What is the definition of Detective?

a person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and catch criminals

How do you use Detective in a sentence?

a police/homicide/undercover detective

Can you give another example of Detective?

Several objects were taken away by detectives from the anti-terrorist squad.

What are synonyms for Detective?

Common alternatives include sleuth, private investigator, gumshoe, investigator.

What is the opposite of Detective?

Opposite meanings include suspect, criminal.

What words go with Detective?

It commonly pairs with private, undercover, store, hire, investigate something, agency, work, fiction, private, undercover, store, hire, investigate something, agency, work, fiction.

What are common mistakes when using Detective?

Confused with 'detect' — 'detective' is a person, while 'detect' is an action. Using 'detective' as an adjective (e.g., 'detective work' instead of 'detective's work'). Mixing up with 'investigator', which might refer to a broader role.

How do you pronounce Detective?

US: /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Detective?

Use 'detective' in contexts related to solving crimes or mysteries. It works well in both casual and formal discussions about law enforcement or story genres but is less suitable for everyday situations.

What CEFR level is Detective?

"Detective" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.