investigate
UK[ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt]US[ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt]
v
To try to find out the facts about something, such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem, in order to learn how it happened or who did it.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
vestig
ate
in
vestig
ate
to make, to act, to do
Etymology
The word 'investigate' originates from the Latin verb 'investigare', which means 'to track, trace, or search into'. This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (into) and the noun 'vestigium' (footprint, track). The literal sense was to follow footprints or traces to discover something. Over time, this concrete action of physical tracking evolved into the more abstract and systematic process of inquiry we understand today. The semantic logic is clear: just as one follows physical traces to find a source, one follows clues and evidence to uncover facts or truth.
Analysis
Structure: in + vestig + ate
in (Latin origin, meaning 'in, into, on' - a prefix indicating direction or inward action)
vestig (Latin origin, from 'vestigium', meaning 'footprint, track, trace' - the core root)
ate (Latin origin, a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to act, to do')
Examples
The police are investigating the cause of the fire.
Scientists are investigating the effects of the new drug.
A committee was formed to investigate the allegations of fraud.