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detective

[/dɪˈtɛktɪv/]
nounmasculine/femininepl: detectives
detetive
1. A person, typically a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and solve mysteries
The detective examined the crime scene carefully.
O detetive examinou a cena do crime cuidadosamente.
2. A person employed or engaged to investigate matters privately
She hired a private detective to find her missing brother.
Ela contratou um detetive particular para encontrar seu irmão desaparecido.
3. Adjective use: related to or involving the investigation of crimes
detective work
trabalho de investigação
NYC Slang
gumshoe, shamus, private dick
Synonyms
investigatorsleuthgumshoeprivate eyeinspector

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
detetive
Most common usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
detetive
Standard usage, sometimes informally 'tira' for police detective
São Paulo
detetive
Standard usage in formal contexts
Portugal
detective
Also used as 'investigador' or 'polícia investigador' in formal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

play detective - agir como detetive, investigar por conta própria
detective work - trabalho de investigação minuciosa
armchair detective - detetive de poltrona (pessoa que especula sobre crimes)
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