What is investigate? Pronunciation and usage in English

investigate means . Learn how to pronounce and use investigate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of investigate

investigateverb

/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of investigate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "investigate" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Segmenting the Word:

  • in-ves-ti-gate

2. Pronunciation of Each Part:

  • in: Like the "in" in "in" - /ɪn/ (a short, quick sound)
  • ves: This is the trickiest part! It's a blend of sounds:
    • v: Like the "v" in "van" - /v/
    • e: Like the "e" in "bed" - /ɛ/ (short 'e' sound)
    • s: Like the "s" in "sun" - /s/
    • Together: It sounds a bit like "vess," but shorter and quicker. Think of it as almost like "vuh-st." It’s a subtle sound, and where many people stumble.
  • ti: Like the "ti" in "time" - /tɑɪ/ (a diphthong – a gliding sound between ‘t’ and ‘i’)
  • gate: Like "gate" - /ɡeɪt/ (rhymes with "late")

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: "in-vess-ti-gate"

Then, gradually speed it up. It should sound something like: in-ves-ti-gate (with a quick "vess" sound).

Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is the best way to learn! Here are some resources:

    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce investigate" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/%2Investigate/) This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for videos like "How to Pronounce Investigate" on YouTube.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "vess" sound: Really concentrate on getting that quick, blended sound of "vuh-st."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, would you like me to:

  • Focus specifically on just the "vess" sound?
  • Give you example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word investigate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "investigate" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, but it's used in a variety of contexts.

1. Core Meaning: To Examine Carefully

At its most basic, "investigate" means to examine something thoroughly and systematically, typically to discover information or solve a problem. It implies a deeper look than just a casual glance.

  • Example: "The police are investigating the robbery." (They are carefully looking into the details of the crime.)
  • Example: "Scientists investigated the cause of the disease." (They studied it systematically to find out what was responsible.)

2. Different Contexts & Ways to Use It

Here's how "investigate" can be used in various situations:

  • Criminal Justice: This is the most common association.

    • "The FBI is investigating a potential terrorist threat."
    • "The detectives are investigating the circumstances of the victim’s death."

  • Research & Science:

    • "Researchers investigated the effects of the new drug on patients."
    • "The team investigated the geological formations in the area."

  • Business/Finance:

    • "The company is investigating rumors of fraud."
    • "We need to investigate the potential for expansion in this market."

  • Personal Matters/Problems: (Sometimes more informal)

    • “I need to investigate this strange noise in the attic.” (Looking for the source)
    • "Let’s investigate why your computer is running so slowly." (Troubleshooting)

  • Figurative Use: (Less common, but possible) – To explore or examine deeply.

    • “He’s investigating the meaning of life.” (Trying to understand a complex idea)

3. Phrases Using "Investigate"

  • Investigate a matter: (To look into a specific issue)
  • Investigate thoroughly: (To examine in great detail)
  • Investigate the cause of...: (To find out why something happened)
  • Investigate allegations: (To examine claims that have been made)
  • Let's investigate this further: (Let's do more research)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Examine
  • Study
  • Probe
  • Explore
  • Research
  • Analyze

5. Important Note: "Investigate" vs. "Investigation"

  • Investigate is the verb – the action of examining.
  • Investigation is the noun – the process of examining or the result of an examination.
    • "The investigation revealed several inconsistencies."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "investigate" in? (e.g., a school assignment, a conversation, a writing project?)
  • Can you provide a sentence or situation where you're thinking of using the word?

Synonyms for the word investigate

Practice with vocabulary investigate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A specialized task force has been assigned to _______ the allegations of corruption within the department.
  2. Before launching the new product, we need to _______ a comprehensive market research plan.
  3. Researchers are working to _______ the long-term effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems.
  4. The board decided to _______ the controversial proposal until further data became available.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The regulatory body decided to _______ the company's financial records after the whistleblower's report. A) scrutinize B) glance at C) investigate D) dismiss E) probe

  2. Before making a final decision, we must thoroughly _______ all available options. A) consider B) weigh C) investigate D) overlook E) analyze

  3. She needed to _______ the complex legal documents before signing the contract. A) skim B) review C) comprehend D) peruse E) sign off

  4. The journalist spent months trying to _______ the source of the leaked government documents. A) uncover B) conceal C) discover D) investigate E) disseminate

  5. The committee will _______ the new policy's potential impact on small businesses. A) assess B) evaluate C) implement D) disregard E) predict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company hired an external auditor to look into the financial irregularities. Rewrite using "investigate":

  2. There will be a thorough inquiry into the accident's causes. Rewrite using a form of "investigate":

  3. We need to carefully consider all angles of the problem before proposing a solution. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "investigate" or related forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. investigate
  2. develop
  3. investigate
  4. defer

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) scrutinize, C) investigate, E) probe
  2. A) consider, B) weigh, C) investigate, E) analyze
  3. B) review, C) comprehend, D) peruse
  4. A) uncover, C) discover, D) investigate
  5. A) assess, B) evaluate, E) predict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company hired an external auditor to investigate the financial irregularities.
  2. The accident's causes will be investigated thoroughly.
  3. We need to carefully analyze all angles of the problem before proposing a solution.

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