easy
Students investigated which paper absorbed the most water.
What does Investigate mean?
to examine something carefully and systematically to learn about it.
Dictionary definition
To examine a question, event, object, or problem systematically in order to discover facts, explanations, or evidence.
Example sentences
Investigate in a sentence
medium
The team investigated the unusual result by checking the equipment and repeating the trial.
hard
Scientists investigate questions through observations, models, comparisons, fieldwork, experiments, and analysis.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice investigate in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Investigate
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does investigate mean?
Investigation can use several methods to gather and analyze evidence.
Practice 2
Which action is part of a careful investigation?
Systematic records make an investigation more transparent and useful.
Practice 3
Which statement is accurate?
Investigations may also use observations, field studies, models, comparisons, records, and other methods.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Investigate
Voice settings
Sounds like
in · ves · tuh · gayt · strongest beat: ves
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordInvestigate.
Partverb.
MeaningInvestigate means to examine something carefully and systematically to learn about it.
ExampleExample: Students investigated which paper absorbed the most water.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- in · ves · tuh · gayt
- Strongest beat
- ves
- Ending
- gayt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on ves.
Your turn
Say Investigate
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced investigate.
Synonyms
Words like Investigate
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice investigate synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The class will investigate the mystery smell," then compare close word choices. Practice investigate synonyms.
Word family
Investigate word family
Base word
investigate
noun
investigation
A systematic examination used to discover facts or explanations.
noun
investigator
A person who conducts an investigation.
adjective
investigative
Related to systematic investigation.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Investigate
Hint for students
An investigation is a systematic search for understanding and may combine several methods.
Common mix-up
Investigate does not mean only perform an experiment. Observation, fieldwork, models, document research, comparisons, and data analysis can all contribute.
Try it in class or at home
Groups choose one classroom question, plan an investigation using at least two methods, identify what evidence each method could provide, and explain whether an experiment is necessary.
Teacher prompt
How is investigate broader than observe or experiment? Design an investigation that uses observation but no controlled experiment.
Word Wheel · Grades 4–6
Practice with the Grades 4–6 Science Words Wheel
Spin this Science Words wheel to connect investigations, variables, data, evidence, results, and conclusions.
Learning activities
Practice Investigate and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice INVESTIGATE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice INVESTIGATE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with INVESTIGATE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice INVESTIGATE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes INVESTIGATE.
Practice INVESTIGATE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words