Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carry out a systematic or formal examination to discover and verify facts. This involves gathering information, analyzing evidence, and seeking the truth about a specific event, situation, or subject.
   • To conduct a scientific or academic study into a particular phenomenon or question.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The police will investigate the crime scene.
  • Scientists investigate the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
  • Journalists should investigate claims thoroughly before publishing a story.
  • The committee was formed to investigate the causes of the accident.

Advanced Usage

• "to investigate into": To inquire deeply or examine a matter. While "investigate" is often used transitively, this phrasal construction emphasizes the process of probing.
  • The auditor will investigate into the financial discrepancies.
• Investigative Role: Used to describe a function focused on examination.
  • She works in an investigative capacity for the agency.

Variants and Related Words

• Investigation (n): The process or instance of investigating.
  • The investigation revealed new evidence.
• Investigative (adj): Of or concerned with investigating.
  • He has a sharp investigative mind.
• Investigator (n): A person who investigates.
  • The lead investigator presented the findings.

Synonyms

• Examine: To inspect or scrutinize carefully.
• Probe: To physically explore or examine with a tool, or to inquire deeply.
• Inquire/Enquire: To ask for information.
• Research: To study materials and sources to establish facts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Look into: To examine the facts about a problem or situation (less formal than "investigate").
  • Can you look into this issue for me?

Related Idioms

• Get to the bottom of (something): To find out the real cause of a problem or the truth about a situation.
  • We need to investigate until we get to the bottom of this mystery.
• Follow up on (something): To find out more about something, or to take further action.
  • The detective promised to follow up on the new tip.

Verb

1. conduct an inquiry or investigation of
   • The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
   • inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
2. investigate scientifically
   • Let's investigate the syntax of Chinese