investigate

//ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt//
B2Frequency Level 6Formal
Visual representation of investigate

Verb

investigateInfinitive
investigatePresent tense
investigatedPast tense
investigatedPast participle
investigatingPresent participle
investigatesThird-person singular
1

To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.

The police are investigating the cause of the accident.

2

To make a detailed examination or study of something in order to learn more about it or understand it better.

Scientists are investigating the effects of climate change on marine life.