indagación
Lemma Details
Translation: investigation; inquiry; research; probe
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'indagatio', derived from 'indagare' meaning 'to track, trace, or investigate'. The Latin root 'ind-' (into) + 'agere' (to drive or lead) suggests the idea of driving into or pursuing something deeply. This connects to the English cognate 'indagate' (an archaic verb meaning to investigate) and is related to modern English words like 'investigate' and 'inquiry'. The '-ción' suffix in Spanish indicates an action or process, similar to English '-tion'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal
Example Usage
La policía está realizando una indagación sobre el robo.
The police are conducting an investigation into the robbery.
Los científicos continúan su indagación sobre los efectos del cambio climático.
Scientists continue their inquiry into the effects of climate change.
Tras meses de indagación, finalmente encontraron la respuesta.
After months of research, they finally found the answer.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'indagación' as 'in-digging-action' – the process of digging into facts.
- Connect it to English 'investigate' but with the Spanish '-ción' ending that makes it a noun.
- Picture a detective with a magnifying glass 'indagando' (investigating) clues.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'indagación' is often used in legal and academic contexts. In legal systems, it may refer to a preliminary investigation before formal charges are filed. The term carries a somewhat more formal tone than its English counterparts and is frequently used in official documents, news reports about investigations, and academic research.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'investigation', 'indagación' often implies a more preliminary or exploratory inquiry, whereas 'investigación' can suggest a more thorough, systematic study or formal investigation.
This word:
La indagación inicial reveló varios sospechosos.
The initial inquiry revealed several suspects.
Confused word:
La investigación científica duró tres años.
The scientific investigation lasted three years.
Notes: In legal contexts, 'indagación' might refer to preliminary inquiries, while 'investigación' could refer to the full formal investigation.
Mnemonic: 'Indagación' starts with 'in' like 'initial' – think of it as an initial investigation.
Explanation: Though they look similar, 'indicación' means 'indication' or 'instruction', while 'indagación' means 'investigation'.
Notes: The difference is just a few letters but completely changes the meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Indicación' has 'indica' (indicate) in it, while 'indagación' has 'indaga' (investigate).