Investigator: meaning, definitions and examples

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investigator

[ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪtə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime solving

A person who conducts official investigations, especially one employed by a government or other organization.

Synonyms

detective, inspector, sleuth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
investigator	Use 'investigator' when referring to a professional conducting a detailed examination or inquiry, typically in a legal, scientific, or academic context. The investigator reviewed the crime scene for any overlooked evidence. She works as an investigator in a pharmaceutical company researching new medicines.
detective	'Detective' is often used in a law enforcement context to describe a police officer who focuses on solving crimes, especially serious or complex ones. It can also have a noir or fictional connotation, reminiscent of detective novels and films. The detective pieced together the clues to solve the murder case. Detective Smith is well-known for his sharp intuition and unwavering determination.
inspector	Refer to 'inspector' in the context of someone holding a supervisory or official role, often within a police department or other regulatory authority. This person typically carries out inspections or oversees investigations. The inspector arrived to assess the building's safety compliance. Inspector Matthews was promoted due to her exceptional work in the homicide department.
sleuth	'Sleuth' is more colloquial and often used in a more informal or playful context to describe someone who investigates or solves mysteries, akin to an amateur detective. It can sometimes carry a slightly whimsical or old-fashioned tone. She fancied herself a bit of a sleuth, always trying to solve neighborhood mysteries. The kids played sleuth, trying to find the missing treasure in their backyard.

Examples of usage

The investigator gathered evidence at the crime scene.
The investigator interviewed witnesses to gather information.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

research

A person who carries out systematic or formal inquiry, especially for scientific purposes.

Synonyms

researcher, scholar, scientist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
investigator	Used in situations involving formal and often criminal or official inquiries or investigations. The investigator gathered evidence at the crime scene The insurance company sent an investigator to assess the damage
researcher	Utilized in academic or scientific contexts where systematic investigation is conducted to discover new insights or knowledge. The researcher published a groundbreaking study on climate change As a researcher in the field, she spends most of her time in the laboratory
scientist	Commonly used for professionals in natural or physical sciences involved in research and experiments to understand natural phenomena. The scientist developed a new vaccine for the virus Scientists are conducting experiments to understand the effects of global warming
scholar	Applied to individuals engaged in deep study or academic work, often related to humanities and theoretical subjects. The scholar presented his findings on ancient Greek history As a renowned scholar, she lectured at several universities

Examples of usage

The investigator conducted experiments to test the hypothesis.
The investigator analyzed the data to draw conclusions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin root 'investigare', which means 'to track down' or 'to search for'.
The word has been in use since the late 15th century, originally referring to examination and inquiry.

History

The role of an investigator has been formalized since the 19th century, especially with the rise of modern policing.
Famous literary investigators, such as Sherlock Holmes, popularized the idea of solving mysteries through keen observation.

Pop Culture

Investigators are commonly depicted in film and television, often as heroes solving crimes or uncovering secrets.
Popular shows like 'CSI' and 'Law & Order' have highlighted the scientific and procedural aspects of investigation.

Psychology

Research indicates that strong investigative skills are closely tied to critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Effective investigators often display high levels of curiosity and attention to detail, essential for gathering facts.

Science

In forensic science, investigators rely on physical evidence to solve crimes, showcasing the intersection of law and science.
Behavioral investigators utilize psychological profiling to understand criminal behavior and motives.

Translations

Translations of the word "investigator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 investigador

🇮🇳 जांचकर्ता

🇩🇪 Ermittler

🇮🇩 penyidik

🇺🇦 слідчий

🇵🇱 śledczy

🇯🇵 調査員

🇫🇷 enquêteur

🇪🇸 investigador

🇹🇷 müfettiş

🇰🇷 조사관

🇸🇦 محقق

🇨🇿 vyšetřovatel

🇸🇰 vyšetrovateľ

🇨🇳 调查员

🇸🇮 preiskovalec

🇮🇸 rannsakandi

🇰🇿 тергеуші

🇬🇪 გამომძიებელი

🇦🇿 müstəntiq

🇲🇽 investigador

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,375 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8372 cinema
8373 pie
8374 laundry
8375 investigator
8376 shout
8377 parasites
8378 enquiry
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