What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zetetic
Example
The zetetic approach to science encourages questioning and investigation. [zetetic: adjective]
Example
She employed a zetetic method in her research, exploring various avenues of inquiry. [zetetic: noun]
investigative
Example
The investigative journalist spent months researching the story before publishing it. [investigative: adjective]
Example
The detective used his investigative skills to solve the case. [investigative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Investigative is more commonly used than zetetic in everyday language. Investigative is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while zetetic is less common and more specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zetetic and investigative?
Both zetetic and investigative can be used in formal and academic contexts, but investigative is more versatile and can also be used in informal or journalistic contexts.