investigate

verb

(transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.

(transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.

(intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.

Roots

vestigiumvestig- · Latin · track, footprint

Synonyms for investigate

examinev explorev scrutinizev analyzev studyn discussv considerv

Synonyms & related words for investigate

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of investigate — including examine, explore, scrutinize, analyze, study, discuss. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to investigate

Explore words related to investigate — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include inquire, reinvestigate, scrutator, investigation, investigatory, preexamine, probing, examinant. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for investigate

Common synonyms for investigate include examine, explore, scrutinize, analyze, study, discuss, consider — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does investigate come from?

The word investigate breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root vestig-, from Latin vestigium (“track, footprint”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.