Investigator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธ
investigator
[ษชnหvษstษชษกeษชtษ ]
Definitions
crime solving
A person who conducts official investigations, especially one employed by a government or other organization.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The investigator gathered evidence at the crime scene.
- The investigator interviewed witnesses to gather information.
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.
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| researcher |
Utilized in academic or scientific contexts where systematic investigation is conducted to discover new insights or knowledge.
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| scientist |
Commonly used for professionals in natural or physical sciences involved in research and experiments to understand natural phenomena.
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| scholar |
Applied to individuals engaged in deep study or academic work, often related to humanities and theoretical subjects.
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Examples of usage
- The investigator conducted experiments to test the hypothesis.
- The investigator analyzed the data to draw conclusions.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'investigator'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'investigator' originates from the Latin word 'investigare', meaning 'to track, search out'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, the term has evolved to represent individuals involved in crime-solving, research, and inquiry across various fields.
See also: investigating, investigative, investigators, uninvestigated.