Investigate
To carry out a systematic examination or inquiry in order to uncover facts, determine truth, or solve a problem.
verbInvestigate
To carry out a systematic examination or inquiry in order to uncover facts, determine truth, or solve a problem.
verbImagine This
A detective stands at the crime scene with a magnifying glass, methodically following each clue from footprint to fingerprint, determined to uncover what happened.
Sounds Like
in-VES-ti-geyt
Looks Like
Looks like the root 'invest' with the suffix '-igate'; visually it contains 'invest' plus 'igate'.
Remember This
Investigate is built from the Latin investigare meaning to track or search into; related words include investigation, investigator, and investigative. The root vestig- means trace or footprint.
Other Forms
Connect With
examine, scrutinize, probe, inspect, inquire, research
Note
Investigate is a transitive verb and is typically used with an object (e.g., investigate a claim, investigate a crime). Do not say 'investigate into' in formal writing; prefer 'investigate a claim' or 'look into a claim.'