What does investigation mean?
An investigation is a systematic attempt to find out what is true about a particular matter. It involves collecting evidence, examining relevant information, and reaching conclusions about facts, causes, or responsibility. The term is widely used in journalism and legal contexts, as in a police investigation or a government inquiry, but it also applies to academic and scientific research. An investigation is generally more focused and evidence-driven than a casual inquiry, though the two words overlap considerably. Depending on the context, an investigation may be official and neutral, or it may imply suspicion, controversy, or alleged wrongdoing. The related adjective investigative is often used to describe journalism, work, or techniques that seek to uncover facts.
nounThe process of carefully examining a matter in order to establish the facts, determine what happened, or uncover the causes of a problem. An investigation may be conducted by investigators, officials, researchers, or other people and may focus on wrongdoing, an accident, a scientific question, or another subject.
- The process of examining a matter thoroughly to establish facts or determine its causes.
- An official or formal inquiry into wrongdoing, misconduct, an accident, or another serious matter.
- The activity of researching and analyzing a subject in order to understand it better.
"The investigation into the accident concluded that several factors had contributed to the disaster."
"Police have opened an investigation into the suspicious death."
"Her investigation of the documents revealed an important pattern."
Used when referring to multiple examinations, inquiries, or formal inquiries into different matters or aspects of a case.
"The authorities have launched several investigations into possible misconduct."
The word investigation originally meant following a trail of footprints: its root is Latin investigare, “to track down.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does investigation come from?
The word comes from Latin investigare, formed from in-, meaning “into,” and vestigium, meaning “footprint” or “track.” Its original sense was to follow traces in order to discover something. English adopted the word in the 16th and 17th centuries in the sense of examining or inquiring into a matter, and the modern forms investigator and investigative developed from this established English usage.
Related word forms
How investigation is actually used
The word is neutral to formal and is especially common in journalism, law, public administration, and academic contexts. In British English, “investigation into” and “investigation of” are both common; “investigation into” often emphasizes a case or event being examined.
Easily confused with investigation
An investigation usually seeks to determine what happened or uncover the causes of a particular matter, whereas research is broader and often aims to develop knowledge about a subject.
An inquiry can be a general question or request for information, while an investigation more specifically implies a systematic examination intended to establish facts.