Reading Theme:
Investigation Definition, Examples & Usage (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：official inquiry (investigation)
investigation
/ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən/
n.
An official process of trying to find out all the facts about something, especially a crime or accident.
official inquiry
➕
/əˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈkwaɪəri/
n.
A formal, systematic process conducted by authorities to uncover facts about an alleged offense or incident.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'investigare' (to search into) from 'in-' + 'vestigium' (track, footprint).
💡 Mnemonic
In a vest, you investigate clues like a detective.
📖 Example
The police launched a thorough investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the artwork.
The police carried out an in-depth investigation into the unexplained theft of the artwork.
🔗 Collocations
conduct an investigation – to carry out a formal inquiry
criminal investigation – an inquiry related to a crime
under investigation – being examined officially
🔄 Synonyms
inquiry (n.) – an official process to find facts
probe (n.) – a thorough examination, especially in journalism or law
examination (n.) – a close look at evidence or circumstances
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
investigate (v.) – to conduct a formal inquiry
investigator (n.) – a person who carries out investigations
investigative (adj.) – relating to the process of investigation
📖 Cultural Story
Rooted in Latin 'vestigium' (footprint), 'investigation' originally meant tracking footprints. Entered English in the 16th century, evolving from literal tracking to systematic inquiry in law, science, and journalism.
Meaning 2：systematic study (investigation)
investigation
/ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən/
n.
A systematic study or research to find out information or facts about a subject.
systematic study
➕
/ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk ˈstʌdi/
n.
A methodical and detailed examination of a subject, often involving data collection and analysis, to discover new information or verify facts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The journalist's investigation into climate change took her to remote villages and scientific labs around the world.
The journalist's research into climate change brought her to remote villages and labs across the world.
🔗 Collocations
academic investigation – a scholarly study of a topic
scientific investigation – a research process using scientific methods
detailed investigation – a careful and thorough examination
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
negligence (n.) – failure to give proper attention
superficiality (n.) – lack of depth or thoroughness
ignorance (n.) – lack of knowledge
🌱 Derivatives
investigate (v.) – to conduct a systematic study
investigator (n.) – a person who conducts research
investigative (adj.) – related to systematic inquiry
Meaning 3：medical examination (investigation)
investigation
/ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən/
n.
A careful and thorough examination to find out the cause or details of a situation, especially in medicine or technology.
medical examination
➕
/ˈmedɪkəl ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/
n.
A thorough medical process involving tests and assessments to identify the cause of symptoms or a health condition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the patient complained of chest pain, the doctor ordered a full medical investigation including blood tests and a heart scan.
After the patient reported chest discomfort, the doctor conducted a full medical examination including blood work and a cardiac scan.
🔗 Collocations
medical investigation – a series of tests to diagnose a condition
clinical investigation – a systematic study of patients or diseases
thorough investigation – a complete and careful examination
🔄 Synonyms
examination (n.) – a close look to assess condition
diagnosis (n.) – the identification of a disease
inspection (n.) – careful scrutiny of symptoms or equipment
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
investigate (v.) – to examine medically
investigator (n.) – a medical researcher or diagnostician
investigative (adj.) – related to diagnostic procedures
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