investigative
investigative — adjective
1. connected with the activity of gathering facts and details about an event, probl
connected with the activity of gathering facts and details about an event, problem, or crime, especially to uncover information that is hidden or not yet known
Soraya works as an investigative journalist for a large newspaper in Nairobi.
collocation: investigative journalist
The committee was given full investigative powers to examine the bank's financial records.
collocation: investigative powers
Hao's investigative report on illegal fishing won a national journalism prize.
collocation: investigative report
After six months of investigative work, the team found the source of the food contamination.
The government set up an independent investigative body to look into mining accidents.
collocation: investigative body
- investigative journalist
- investigative journalism
- investigative report
- investigative reporter
- investigative committee
- investigative body
- investigative work
- investigative team
- investigative powers
- investigative techniques
- probing
more informal, focuses on asking persistent questions rather than a structured process
- exploratory
broader in scope; suggests looking for new information in general, not necessarily uncovering wrongdoing
- fact-finding
more concrete and task-oriented; often used for committees or missions with a specific goal
Grammar Patterns
investigative + noun
Usage Note
Primarily used before a noun (attributive position). Not typically used in comparative or superlative forms. Common in journalism, law enforcement, and formal inquiry contexts. The noun it modifies usually refers to a role, a document, an institution, or a process.