Words / B1

in-SPEKT-uh/ɪnˈspektə/

An inspector checks that rules are followed: a tax inspector; a health-and-safety inspector; Ofsted inspectors in schools. Inspect is the verb (already in the dictionary). Officer is wider. Inspector is also a police rank (Detective Inspector). Do not call a shop supervisor an inspector unless that is the real title.

Meaning

An official who checks that rules are followed; also a police rank.

Examples

• “A health-and-safety inspector visited the warehouse.”
• “An inspector closed the kitchen after finding mice.”
• “The police inspector asked witnesses not to discuss the case online.”

Good to know

health-and-safety / Ofsted / tax inspector. Verb: inspect. Also a police rank. Not a shop supervisor’s ordinary title.

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