investigative
UK: ɪnˈvɛstɪɡətɪv | US: ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪtɪv
adj. relating to or involving investigation; characterized by thorough inquiry or research
investigative = investi<trace> + gate<to go> + ive<adjective suffix>
- investi (from Latin investigare, "to trace, track," from in- (into) + vestigium (footprint, track))
- gate (from Latin -gare, a variant of -igare, meaning "to drive" or "to go")
- ive (suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -ivus, indicating "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word investigative traces back to Latin investigare, combining in- (into) and vestigium (footprint). The core idea is "following footprints" to uncover facts. Over time, investigate evolved in English to mean systematic inquiry, with -ive added to form the adjective. The morpheme gate here is a remnant of the Latin verb -igare, unrelated to the modern English word "gate."
The journalist won an award for her investigative report on corporate corruption.
His investigative skills helped solve the cold case.
The documentary takes an investigative approach to uncovering environmental crimes.
She pursued an investigative career in law enforcement.
The committee launched an investigative hearing to examine the allegations.