investigate Definition
carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.
Using investigate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "investigate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police are investigating the murder case.
Example
The committee was set up to investigate allegations of corruption.
Example
We need to investigate the cause of the problem.
Example
The company is being investigated for fraud.
investigate Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using investigate
to make every possible effort to achieve a goal or find a solution to a problem
Example
The investigators left no stone unturned in their efforts to solve the case.
Example
The journalist was determined to get to the bottom of the scandal and investigate all leads.
Example
The detective decided to follow a lead that he had received from an informant.
Phrases with investigate
to carry out an investigation into something
Example
The authorities are investigating into the matter.
to conduct an inquiry into a criminal act
Example
The detective was assigned to investigate the crime.
to look into a grievance or accusation made by someone
Example
The ombudsman was asked to investigate the complaint.
Origins of investigate
from Latin 'investigare', meaning 'to trace out'
Summary: investigate in Brief
To 'investigate' [ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt] means to carry out a systematic inquiry into an incident or allegation to establish the truth. It involves examining the facts and exploring the cause of the problem. The term extends into phrases like 'investigate into' and idioms like 'leave no stone unturned,' implying thoroughness and determination.