B1verb 2K

Investigate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪts/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪts/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Investigate

to carefully examine the facts of a situation, an event, a crime, etc. to find out the truth about it or how it happened

In simple words: To look into something closely to find out more information.

Investigate in a sentence

• The police will investigate the crime scene for new evidence.
• She decided to investigate the mystery on her own.
• The scientist was eager to investigate the effects of the new drug.
• The journalist wanted to investigate the politician's background.
• We need to investigate all possible solutions before making a decision.

How to use Investigate

Commonly used in formal contexts, especially in journalism, research, or law enforcement. It may not be seen as appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

investigate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in vest a gate' — imagine a detective in a vest opening a gate to gather clues.

Related words

Collocations with Investigate

• carefully
• closely
• in detail
• ask somebody to
• be called in to
• decide to
• for
• carefully
• closely
• in detail
• ask somebody to
• be called in to
• decide to
• for

Synonyms for Investigate

• examine
• probe
• research
• explore
• analyze

Opposites of Investigate

• ignore
• overlook
• disregard

Common mistakes with Investigate

• Confusing with 'invest' which relates to money or resources.
• Using as an intransitive verb; it requires an object (e.g., 'investigate the issue').
• Mixing up with synonyms like 'examine' without understanding the context.

Frequently asked questions about Investigate

What does Investigate mean?

To look into something closely to find out more information.

What is the definition of Investigate?

to carefully examine the facts of a situation, an event, a crime, etc. to find out the truth about it or how it happened

How do you use Investigate in a sentence?

The police will investigate the crime scene for new evidence.

Can you give another example of Investigate?

She decided to investigate the mystery on her own.

What are synonyms for Investigate?

Common alternatives include examine, probe, research, explore, analyze.

What is the opposite of Investigate?

Opposite meanings include ignore, overlook, disregard.

What words go with Investigate?

It commonly pairs with carefully, closely, in detail, ask somebody to, be called in to, decide to, for, carefully, closely, in detail, ask somebody to, be called in to, decide to, for.

What are common mistakes when using Investigate?

Confusing with 'invest' which relates to money or resources. Using as an intransitive verb; it requires an object (e.g., 'investigate the issue'). Mixing up with synonyms like 'examine' without understanding the context.

How do you pronounce Investigate?

US: /["/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪts/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪts/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Investigate?

Commonly used in formal contexts, especially in journalism, research, or law enforcement. It may not be seen as appropriate in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Investigate?

"Investigate" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.