WordValeforensic
relating to scientific methods used to investigate crime
In more detail
1. (adjective) relating to the use of science and technology to investigate crimes
2. (adjective) relating to arguments and debate, or to presenting evidence in court
Examples
- 1. Forensic experts examined the DNA evidence from the crime scene.
- 2. The lawyer used forensic analysis to challenge the defendant's testimony.
How to use forensic
Forensic primarily refers to the application of science and medicine in criminal investigations, as in forensic evidence presented in court. The second sense, relating to debate and argumentation (from Latin forensis, pertaining to the forum), is less common in modern English but appears in formal contexts. Forensic is most often used in legal, criminal justice, and scientific contexts.
Common phrases
- forensic evidence
- forensic analysis
- forensic scientist
- forensic pathology
- forensic examination
- forensic investigation
Synonyms
investigative · analytical · scientific · evidentiary · probative
Word family
forensics (noun) · forensically (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'forensic' to mean simply 'detailed' or 'thorough' outside of its specific legal and scientific domains, though this extension is not standard.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD