verb
investigate
To examine something carefully to discover facts.
Scientists investigate the water quality to find the source of contamination.
Etymology
Latin investigare means to track or trace out, associated with footprints. Investigation turns that following of tracks into a methodical search for facts.
More examples
- The school investigates every report of bullying.
- We investigated why the heating bills were so high.
- I hear a strange noise upstairs and go to investigate.
Forms
investigate · investigates · investigated · investigating
investigation noun — A careful examination to discover facts.
investigator noun — A person who examines something to discover facts.