Investigation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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investigation

[ษชnหŒvษ›stษชหˆษกeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

The process of trying to find out all the details of something, especially a crime or accident.

Synonyms

examination, inquiry.

Examples of usage

  • The police launched an investigation into the murder.
  • There will be a full investigation into the cause of the fire.
Context #2 | Noun

official

An official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc.

Synonyms

inquiry, probe.

Examples of usage

  • The investigation revealed new evidence in the case.
  • The investigation is ongoing and we expect to have more information soon.
Context #3 | Noun

scientific

A detailed inquiry or systematic examination in order to learn the truth about something.

Synonyms

research, study.

Examples of usage

  • The investigation into the effects of the new drug is still ongoing.
  • The scientific investigation produced groundbreaking results.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific research, investigation refers to systematic methods to uncover facts and test hypotheses.
  • Rigorous investigation often involves forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and analyzing data.
  • Peer review is a crucial step following an investigation to ensure the findings are valid and reliable.

Criminal Justice

  • Criminal investigations often include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing suspects to solve cases.
  • Forensics, the application of scientific methods, plays a critical role in investigations, helping to ensure justice.
  • Investigators must adhere to legal protocols to maintain the integrity of the investigation and its findings.

Literature

  • Many detective novels revolve around investigations, highlighting the skills of protagonists who unveil hidden truths.
  • Works like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series emphasize logical reasoning in investigations.
  • The 'whodunit' genre is defined by the investigation of a crime, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows like 'CSI' and 'Law & Order' focus on police investigations, popularizing the role of forensic science.
  • Investigation-themed video games, such as 'L.A. Noire', allow players to become detectives and solve mysteries.
  • Documentary series often feature real-life investigations into crimes, natural phenomena, or historical events.

Origin of 'investigation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'investigare', which means 'to track or search for'.
  • It combines 'in-' (into) and 'vestigare' (to track), literally meaning 'to track into'.
  • The term began to appear in English language texts in the early 15th century.

The word 'investigation' originated from the Latin word 'investigare', which means 'to track or trace'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'investigation' has become a crucial aspect of various fields, including law enforcement, science, and research. The process of investigation involves examining evidence, gathering information, and uncovering the truth behind a particular matter.


See also: disinvest, invest, investiture, investment, investments, investor, investors.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,292, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.