Definition: The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination

Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! You’ve got a really good question here about “investigations,” and that dictionary definition is spot on. Let’s break it down piece by piece, shall we? “Investigations” basically means finding out something. It's more than just guessing or wondering – it’s a careful, deliberate process of figuring things out. Think of it like this: "The act of investigating..." - That’s the core! It’s the doing part, the action of trying to discover something new. "...the process of inquiring into..." – “Inquiring” means asking questions and digging deeper. Like a detective searching for clues, you're exploring different angles. "...or following up..." - This is important! It’s not just one question; it’s about checking things out, seeing where the answers lead you. You keep going until you have a good understanding. "Research, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination” – This highlights that investigations require time and attention to detail. They aren't rushed! It means carefully looking at everything, thinking about it deeply, and examining things closely. So, an investigation isn’t just a quick glance; it’s a journey of discovery. Example Time: If you were trying to figure out why your plant wasn't growing well, that would be an investigation! You'd look at the soil, the sunlight, the water – everything! Do you have any questions about this, or would you like me to give you another example?