investigative

/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡətɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to investigation or an investigation.

Adjective

Examples

RAIB prides itself on being able to send any of its inspectors to site with sufficient investigative skills and technical knowledge to gather evidence for any type of accident.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Inquisitive; curious.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “investigative” mean?

Of or pertaining to investigation or an investigation.

Is “investigative” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.