Word
investigative
Phoneticsin·ves·tiga·tive
US/ˌɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪtɪv/
UK/ɪnvˈɛstɪɡətˌɪv/
Definitions
01finding hidden facts
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. used to describe work that involves searching for the truth about a crime or a secret.
adj. pertaining to the systematic process of uncovering facts, especially regarding criminal activity or institutional misconduct.
“The reporter won an award for her investigative work on the local government.”
“The committee launched an investigative audit to determine how the public funds had been mismanaged over the last decade.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
02curious or questioning
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. showing a strong desire to ask questions and learn more about something.
adj. characterised by an inquisitive or curious disposition; seeking to understand through questioning.
“The child had an investigative mind and was always taking toys apart to see how they worked.”
“He cast an investigative glance around the room, noting the subtle inconsistencies in the witness's story.”
Teaching tip
While 'curious' is common, 'investigative' suggests a more serious or methodical way of looking at things.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “investigative” in context.
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Rachel Chitra, an investigative journalist who has published a series of technically detailed articles in India, has promoted this theory.” Etymology
From investigate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/investigative