Investigator: meaning, definitions and examples

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' 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.

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' 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.

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

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

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

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