investigativeadj.
/ɪnˈvɛstᵻɡeɪtɪv/, /ɪnˈvɛstᵻɡətɪv/, U.S. /ᵻnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪdɪv/, /ᵻnˈvɛstəɡədɪv/ 1. Characterized by or inclined to investigation. Also: of or involving investigation, (now) esp. scientific, criminal, or other types of formal investigation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > [adjective]
exploratory1620
investigatory1760
investigative1773
examinational1826
indagatory1855
investigational1872
1773 Westm. Mag. Jan. 49 To fix its precise, invariable, and determinate meaning,—is a labour beyond the investigative penetration of the most intuitive Lexicographer.
a1800 S. Pegge Anecd. Eng. Lang. (1803) 251 When money was in his pocket, he [sc. Johnson] was more deliberate and investigative.
1873 M. Collins Squire Silchester II. iv. 37 When he suddenly found himself in the very heart of a mystery, his old investigative temper rekindled.
1886 W. Stubbs 17 Lect. Study Hist. iv. 75 The exercise of the investigative instinct.
1925 S. Lewis Martin Arrowsmith ix. 106 You have a real flair for investigative science.
1955 Sci. News Let. 16 Apr. 249/2 The pathologists can and will assume their part in this investigative obligation and I'm sure that practicing physicians will do likewise.
1975 Times 24 Jan. 14/5 Some suggest that I should turn my investigative powers to other vanishing drinks.
2018 Scotsman (Nexis) 30 Jan. Where appropriate, cases are being reinvestigated using modern investigative techniques.
2. Originally U.S. Designating journalism which or a journalist who investigates and seeks to expose illicit activity, corruption, injustice, etc., as investigative journalism, investigative journalist, investigative reporter, investigative reporting. Also: relating to or involving this type of journalism.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > journalism > [noun] > other specific types or styles of journalism
penny-a-lining1842
publicism1846
New Journalism1872
investigative reporting1890
ink-slinging1894
yellowism1897
chip paper1935
Afghanistanism1948
telejournalism1959
parajournalism1965
smear journalism1967
gonzo1972
plutography1985
society > communication > journalism > journalist > [noun] > other types of journalist
editorial writer1819
court-newsman1837
feuilletonist1840
editorialist1841
market reporter1854
headliner1875
leader-writer1882
investigative journalist1890
feature writer1912
roundsman1912
by-liner1944
telejournalist1964
New Journalist1970
gonzo1972
1890 Philadelphia Inquirer 28 July 7/1 An investigative reporter exposed the methods by which housewives are cheated in the food they buy.
1921 E. Davis Hist. N.Y. Times 1851–1921 i. iv. 148 With the development of investigative journalism the way of the transgressor was at least a little harder than in the past.
1948 N.Y. Times 24 Oct. 34/2 Mr. Link.., an investigative reporter for The Post-Dispatch.., was assigned to investigate the ambush killing of Bernie Shelton.
1972 Village Voice (N.Y.) 1 June 37/1 What is vitally needed is more investigative reporting on this growing national phenomenon.
1992 J. McGuigan Cultural Populism (1993) v. 206 These matters were explored rigorously and with considerable critical acumen by Christopher Hird's investigative television documentary, Empire.
2015 E. Mahoney Nellie Bly & Investigative Journalism for Kids ix. 105 (caption) Investigative journalists Bob Woodward (left) and Carl Bernstein (right) exposed government corruption in their articles about the Watergate break-in.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1773