How to pronounce investigation
Say it like in-ves-tuh-GAY-shun. Investigation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (GAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce investigation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ves
- tuh
- GAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Investigation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- vesGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- GAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of investigation
American and British speakers say investigation in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/ in the US and /ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-ves-tih-GAY-shun.
What does investigation mean?
- an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities“there was a congressional probe into the scandal”
- the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
Where does investigation come from?
From Middle English investigacioun, from Old French investigacion, from Latin investigatio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with investigation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of investigation.
Questions about saying investigation
How do you pronounce investigation?
Say in-ves-tuh-GAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in investigation?
Investigation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (GAY). Broken into parts: in · ves · tuh · GAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say investigation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.