investigation
gb/ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/ us/ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
formal process of finding facts
A careful and organized check to find out the truth about something.
Usage pattern:
an investigation into [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'investigation' (the process) with 'research' (study for knowledge), but 'investigation' is often about finding facts related to a specific case or event.
Synonyms
inquiry (Slightly more formal; often used in British English for official fact-finding.)
|
probe (Informal or journalistic; often used for investigative journalism or political matters.)
Antonyms
cover-up (An attempt to hide the truth instead of discovering it.)
Collocations
launch an investigation
|conduct an investigation
|criminal investigation
|police investigation
|under investigation
Themes
law
|crime
|research
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police launched an investigation into the robbery.
- The investigation revealed several safety violations at the factory.
- She is under investigation for possible fraud.
- The government ordered an independent investigation into the incident.
Learner examples
- The police started an investigation after the fire.
- The company is doing an investigation of the problem.
- He is under investigation by the police.
- The investigation found the missing files.
Noun
formal
B2
action
2
detailed study to find causes
A close look at something to understand it or find the reason for it.
Usage pattern:
an investigation of [something]
Synonyms
examination (Broad term for looking closely at something; less formal than 'investigation' in some contexts.)
|
analysis (Focuses on breaking down information or data to understand it.)
Antonyms
assumption (Accepting something as true without checking or studying it.)
Collocations
scientific investigation
|medical investigation
|carry out an investigation
|investigation results
Themes
science
|research
|medicine
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The scientists conducted an investigation of the new drug's effects.
- The cause of the engine failure is still under investigation.
- Our investigation into the data showed several errors.
Learner examples
- The doctor did an investigation to find my illness.
- They did an investigation of the old building.
- The school started an investigation about the noise.
Grammar
Dictionary form
investigation
IPA
GB/ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
US/ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - vest - ig - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: investigation
- Plural: investigation, investigations
Word family
Forms
investigations
noun
Core family
investigate
verb B1
investigator
noun B2
Related words
investigative
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
investigatory
adjective
reinvestigate
verb
reinvestigation
noun
Expressions
criminal investigation
1/kɹˈɪmənəl ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
official inquiry into a crime
A careful check by police to find out who did a crime and what happened.
Examples
- The criminal investigation took more than six months.
- She was called in for questioning during a criminal investigation.
launch an investigation
1/lˈɔnt͡ʃ ən ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
start a formal inquiry
To begin a careful and organized check to find out the truth about something.
Examples
- The police launched an investigation into the missing child case.
- They decided to launch an investigation after receiving several complaints.
under investigation
1/ˈʌndɚ ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
being officially examined
Being checked or studied by police or other officials to find out the truth about something.
Examples
- The company is currently under investigation for tax fraud.
- Several players are under investigation for match-fixing.