Investigate vs. Explore — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
Investigate involves a systematic, detailed examination to uncover facts, while explore refers to a more general, often less structured examination or travel for discovery or adventure.
Difference Between Investigate and Explore
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Investigate means to conduct a detailed and systematic inquiry to uncover facts or gather information. This term is often associated with formal, methodical processes used in scientific research, law enforcement, and journalism. Explore, on the other hand, implies a broader, less formal approach to discovering new information or experiences. It can refer to traveling through unfamiliar areas to learn more about them, as well as examining topics, ideas, or opportunities without a fixed goal.
While investigate involves a focused and methodical process aimed at uncovering facts or solving problems, explore encompasses a wider range of activities aimed at learning and discovering new things, often with a sense of adventure and openness.
Investigating a subject requires a systematic approach, including gathering evidence, interviewing sources, and analyzing data. Exploring a subject may involve a more casual or creative approach, such as brainstorming, visiting new places, or trying new experiences.
The term investigate is commonly used in contexts where precision and thoroughness are crucial, such as in police work, scientific research, and auditing. The term explore is used in contexts where the goal is to gain a broader understanding or experience, such as in travel, personal growth, and education.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Systematic, detailed examination
General, often less structured examination or travel for discovery
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Focus
Uncovering facts or solving problems
Learning, discovering, experiencing
Methodology
Formal, methodical
Informal, broad
Common Contexts
Law enforcement, science, journalism
Travel, education, personal growth
Goal
Specific resolution or information
Broader understanding or experience
Compare with Definitions
Investigate
To systematically gather and analyze information.
The journalist investigated the corruption allegations thoroughly.
Explore
To examine a subject or idea broadly.
The students were encouraged to explore different career options.
Investigate
To scrutinize closely to understand an issue.
The committee will investigate the complaints raised by employees.
Explore
To travel through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.
She loves to explore new countries during her vacations.
Investigate
To conduct a formal inquiry into an event or issue.
Scientists investigate the causes of climate change.
Explore
To search for new experiences or knowledge.
The adventurer set out to explore the uncharted jungle.
Investigate
To examine in detail to uncover evidence or truth.
They hired a private investigator to investigate the matter.
Explore
To consider or discuss a topic in a general manner.
They explored the potential benefits of the new technology.
Investigate
To carry out a detailed examination to discover facts.
The detective was assigned to investigate the crime scene.
Explore
To investigate systematically; examine
Explore every possibility.
Investigate
Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth
Police are investigating a claim that the man was beaten unconscious by a gang
Explore
To search into or travel in for the purpose of discovery
Exploring outer space.
Investigate
To observe or inquire into in detail; examine systematically
Investigate a crime.
Investigate ways to use less energy.
Investigate whether the virus is contagious.
Explore
(Medicine) To examine (a body cavity or interior part) for diagnostic purposes, especially by surgery.
Investigate
To make a detailed inquiry or systematic examination.
Explore
To make a careful examination or search
Scientists who have been known to explore in this region of the earth.
Investigate
(transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.
To investigate the causes of natural phenomena
Explore
To seek for something or after someone.
Investigate
(transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.
To investigate an unsolved murder
Explore
(transitive) To examine or investigate something systematically.
The committee has been exploring alternative solutions to the problem at hand.
Investigate
(intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.
Explore
(transitive) To travel somewhere in search of discovery.
It was around that time that the expedition began exploring the Arctic Circle.
Investigate
To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to investigate the causes of natural phenomena.
Explore
To examine diagnostically.
Investigate
To pursue a course of investigation and study; to make investigation.
Explore
(transitive) To (seek) experience first hand.
It is normal for a boy of this age to be exploring his sexuality.
Investigate
Investigate scientifically;
Let's investigate the syntax of Chinese
Explore
(intransitive) To be engaged exploring in any of the above senses.
He was too busy exploring to notice his son needed his guidance.
Investigate
Conduct an inquiry or investigation of;
The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
Inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
Explore
(intransitive) To wander without any particular aim or purpose.
The boys explored all around till cold and hunger drove them back to the campfire one by one.
Explore
(transitive) To seek sexual variety, to sow one's wild oats.
Explore
(colloquial) An exploration; a tour of a place to see what it is like.
Explore
To seek for or after; to strive to attain by search; to look wisely and carefully for.
Explores the lost, the wandering sheep directs.
Explore
To search through or into; to penetrate or range over for discovery; to examine thoroughly; as, to explore new countries or seas; to explore the depths of science.
Explore
Inquire into
Explore
Travel to or penetrate into;
Explore unknown territory in biology
Explore
Examine minutely
Explore
Examine (organs etc.) for diagnostic purposes
Explore
To investigate without a fixed goal, driven by curiosity.
He decided to explore various genres of music.
Common Curiosities
In what contexts is investigate commonly used?
Investigate is commonly used in law enforcement, scientific research, journalism, and auditing.
What does it mean to explore something?
To explore means to examine or travel through an area or subject broadly, often driven by curiosity and a desire for discovery.
Can exploration lead to an investigation?
Yes, exploration can sometimes uncover issues or questions that require a more formal investigation.
What does it mean to investigate something?
To investigate means to conduct a detailed and systematic examination to uncover facts or gather information.
In what contexts is explore commonly used?
Explore is commonly used in travel, education, personal growth, and creative pursuits.
How do investigation and exploration differ in approach?
Investigation involves a focused, methodical approach, while exploration is broader and less structured.
Is exploring always informal?
Exploring is generally informal but can be part of formal studies or research as well.
Is investigating always formal?
While typically formal, investigating can also be informal depending on the context and purpose.
Can you explore a topic and not investigate it?
Yes, you can explore a topic broadly without delving into the detailed investigation of specific aspects.
What is the main goal of investigating?
The main goal of investigating is to uncover facts or solve specific problems.
Is investigating more time-consuming than exploring?
Investigating can be more time-consuming due to its detailed and systematic nature.
Can exploration be part of a research process?
Yes, exploration can be an initial part of a research process to identify areas for further investigation.
Which term implies a more adventurous approach?
Explore implies a more adventurous and open-ended approach compared to investigate.
What is the main goal of exploring?
The main goal of exploring is to gain a broader understanding or experience.
Can you investigate a topic without exploring it?
Investigation usually involves thorough examination of a specific issue, which may not encompass broader exploration.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
