investigada

Investigada is the feminine form of the Portuguese adjective investigador "investigated" and, when used as a noun, refers to a person who is currently the subject of an investigation by authorities, typically in criminal or administrative matters. The term is most common in Brazilian Portuguese and is widely used in media and legal discussions to denote status within an ongoing inquiry. It does not by itself imply guilt.

Etymology and forms: The word comes from the verb investigar (to investigate) with the standard feminine -ada participial ending. Its singular forms are investigada (feminine) and o investigada as a noun, with the plural investigadas. The related masculine form is investigado, and the neutral adjective/institutional terms include investigatório and investigação.

Usage and nuance: In journalism and legal discourse, “a investigada” identifies someone under formal inquiry, not a defendant or proven guilty. The male counterpart is “o investigado.” Depending on jurisdiction, the status may evolve to different labels such as suspeito (suspect), réu (defendant), or simply devidos procedimentos legais. Caution is often urged to avoid implying culpability before outcomes are reached, especially in public communications and reporting.

Related terms: investigação (investigation), investigação criminal (criminal investigation), investigativo (investigative, as an adjective), investigador(a) (investigator). The term is part of broader discussions about due process, rights of the investigated, and how status is conveyed in legal and media contexts.