investigate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪt/
KK: /ɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To look into something carefully to find out the truth or gather information.
Example
The detective will investigate the crime scene for clues.
Tense Forms
Past: investigated
Past Participle: investigated
Conversation
I heard there was a mystery in the old library.
Really? What happened there?
They say some people are trying to investigate it further.
That sounds exciting! I would love to join the investigation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
probe
search
examine
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook
transitive verb
Definition
To look into something carefully to find out the truth or gather information about it.
Example
The detective was called to investigate the mysterious disappearance.
Tense Forms
Past: investigated
Past Participle: investigated
Conversation
Did you hear about the strange noises coming from the old building?
Yeah, I've heard rumors about it; people say it's haunted.
I think we should investigate it ourselves this weekend.
Root Explanation
Investigate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "vestigare" (meaning to track or trace). The word means to track or trace into something, often to uncover facts or details.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tracking' ('vestigare') something 'into' ('in-') to uncover the truth — that's what investigate means.
Visually Confused Words
reinvestigate
instigate
uninvestigated
preinvestigate
uninvestigative
instigative
indesignate
uninvestigable