A2noun2K

Detective

UK /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/US /["/dɪˈtektɪv/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • sleuth
  • private investigator
  • gumshoe
  • investigator

Antonyms

  • suspect
  • criminal

Common mistakes

  • 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.