Investigate, Learn

Have you ever had to investigate something? In its origins, the word investigate means ‘to track something down’.
 
The word investigate comes from Latin vestigium (a footprint, a trace), a word of unknown origin. Combining Proto-Indo-European (PIE) en (in) + Latin vestigare (to track, to trace) creates investigare (to search into, to search after, to investigate).
 
The word investigate came to English around 1500 from Latin investigare. The word vestige (a mark, trace, sign) is from around 1600.
 
If you are a teacher or trainer, you may be interested to know that the word learn has its origins in the PIE root lois (furrow, track). The word learner, in its origins, means to follow or find the track. A learner follows in the footsteps of the teacher. Could we also say that a learner is someone who investigates?!
 
And, if you are a cobbler or a shoemaker, you may be interested to know that the PIE root lois is also the source of the Old English word laest (sole of the foot). A shoemaker’s last is a device used when making shoes. “Built to last” means that the shoes are custom-made, not that they will last forever!
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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