investigative
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe work that involves searching for the truth about a crime or a secret.
pertaining to the systematic process of uncovering facts, especially regarding criminal activity or institutional misconduct.
Simple“The reporter won an award for her investigative work on the local government.”
In context“The committee launched an investigative audit to determine how the public funds had been mismanaged over the last decade.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
showing a strong desire to ask questions and learn more about something.
characterised by an inquisitive or curious disposition; seeking to understand through questioning.
Simple“The child had an investigative mind and was always taking toys apart to see how they worked.”
In context“He cast an investigative glance around the room, noting the subtle inconsistencies in the witness's story.”
Teacher's tipWhile 'curious' is common, 'investigative' suggests a more serious or methodical way of looking at things.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage investigative reports
“They said they were unaware of the company's difficulties until an investigative news story by the online magazine, The Cut, surfaced in September 2025.”
“The company said it would use human review and AI investigative tools to determine if artists were fake.”
From investigate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.