French Conversation · Level 31
89 words
French word
détective
Pronunciation
IPA/detɛktiv/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)detective
Example
Le détective travaille sur une nouvelle affaire.
The detective is working on a new case.
More examples
Le détective privé a interrogé un témoin.
The private detective questioned a witness.
Core concept
A person who pieces together clues from observation, interviews, and records to uncover what happened.
Common phrases
détective privé
private detective
détective de police
police detective
Similar words
policier: A police officer responsible for public safety and criminal investigations.
enquêteur: A person who investigates facts through inquiries and interviews.
inspecteur: A police officer whose rank includes investigative, supervisory, and questioning duties.
détective privé: A person hired to conduct private inquiries or surveillance and report the findings.
Definition in French
Personne qui mène une enquête pour découvrir la vérité sur une affaire, en observant, interrogeant et recoupant des informations.
Word origin
French détective is borrowed from English detective, which ultimately comes from Latin detegere, meaning to uncover or remove a covering.
Usage tips
- Détective is not limited to a police officer, so inspecteur or enquêteur is more precise when a police role is intended.