Detective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
detective
[dษชหtษktษชv ]
Definitions
investigation
A person, especially a police officer, whose job is to discover information about crimes and find out who is responsible for them. Detectives often work on solving mysteries or gathering evidence.
Synonyms
inspector, investigator, sleuth.
Examples of usage
- The detective was able to solve the case within a week.
- She hired a private detective to investigate her husband's whereabouts.
literature
A fictional character, often in crime fiction, who investigates crimes and solves mysteries. Detectives in literature are usually portrayed as clever, observant, and persistent.
Synonyms
inspector, investigator, sleuth.
Examples of usage
- Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous fictional detectives.
- The novel features a detective trying to unravel a complex murder case.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Detectives are central characters in many famous stories, like Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, who is known for his keen observation and deductive reasoning.
- The detective genre has evolved to include various sub-genres, such as cozy mysteries and hard-boiled detective stories.
Pop Culture
- Detectives have been portrayed in numerous TV shows and movies, becoming iconic figures, such as Colombo and Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.
- Recent trends show an increase in female detectives in media, challenging stereotypes and offering new perspectives on the profession.
Psychology
- Detectives often rely on psychological techniques to read suspects' behaviors and body language, which can reveal truths.
- Studies suggest that a detective's success may significantly depend on their ability to empathize and understand human motives.
Criminal Justice
- In law enforcement, detectives usually specialize in specific types of crimes, such as homicide or cybercrime, requiring advanced training.
- The role of a detective can significantly vary across different countries, influenced by local laws and cultural attitudes toward policing.
Origin of 'detective'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'detegere', meaning 'to uncover' or 'to reveal'.
- Usage of the term in English dates back to the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of professional crime investigation.
The word 'detective' originated in the early 19th century, borrowed from the French 'dรฉtective'. It was first used to refer to a police officer who investigates crimes. The concept of detectives as skilled individuals in solving mysteries became popular in literature, with iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes shaping the image of a detective. Today, detectives are associated with solving crimes and uncovering hidden truths.
See also: detect, detectable, detecting, detection, detectives, detector, detectors, undetectable, undetected.